Many farmers, however, sought to limit their dependence on the market, and on merchants in particular.

In an effort to shore up the government's revenues, the bill also calls for increasing taxes on merchants by seventy per cent.

The sun's rays slanted down on merchants who were packing up their goods and heading home.

The reported protest was sparked by a 20 percent hike in taxes on merchants.

I want a head count on Lebanese merchants in the city.

City officials also contend that the adverse impact of big retailers on local merchants may have been exaggerated.

"I don't think she realizes the effect they have on struggling merchants."

The state's drive to crack down on merchants who sell cigarettes to minors has had a measurable effect, officials say.

The business district would, essentially, impose a user's tax on merchants within its boundaries.

It would also help ease the pressure on local merchants who lose their customer parking space to commuters, he said.