Critics of the bill say thousands of California businesspeople will have to shutter their stores and fire employees if the bill becomes law.

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Mr Wilson explained that the primary purpose of the bill was to introduce a temporary levy on larger retail stores in order to relive the rates burden on smaller businesses.

BBC: Rates (Amendment) Bill second stage

Focus DIY was founded by Bill Archer in 1987, with six stores in the Midlands and the north of England.

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Now included in the whole payroll tax cut extension debate is a bill that would require states to ban the use of welfare benefits at strip clubs, liquor stores and casinos.

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The chief sponsor of the bill, Senator Whitsett, claimed its purpose is to help stop use of the internet to organize robberies at banks or stores.

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