The Largs BID business group is seeking advice from property evaluation experts after concerns over the massive tax hikes which threaten to cause havoc in the hospitality sector.
Last week we reported that hotels, bars and restaurants face major hikes in their rate valuations, which have been heavily criticised within the industry,
Conservative councillor Tom Marshall expressed concern and said that valuations on some properties could see hotels increased by 50%, self catering businesses by 70% and 150% increases for bar diners.
Cunninghame North MSP Kenneth Gibson stated that it the independent assessors who decide rateable values, not the Scottish Government, and said that every business has a right to appeal the rateable value set.
Willie Wood, who owns the Woodhouse Hotel, is well known in the Largs business community, having chaired the Largs BID committee, and has taken an active interest in hotels over the years, having chaired the Greater Glasgow Hotels Organisation, and is a Scottish member of the British Hospitality Association.
He said that at Rydens Property Services will be at the next open BID meeting to discuss what possible options are available to local businesses in order to offset against the hike.
And although there is a right of appeal, Willie said: "This same thing happened in early 80s, and you have to pay the bill till your appeal is held and that can take a considerable time, so it could be very difficult for businesses. Without a doubt, the changes will create pressures, and you won't be able to afford any areas of your business to lose money." 
Councillor Marshall believes that some operators that they will either have to increase their charges, reduce staffing or just sell up.
He said: "It is right across the country, particularly hospitality premises and licensed premises are very badly hit. It is balanced by some of the shops have had reductions, and the argument is that it will be revenue neutral so the government won't be taking any more money, but it is very hard coring on some of the businesses in the town, and there is one business in Largs in particularly that has to pay 150% - and  they have to pay that by 1 April.