ACS

ACS Chief Executive James Lowman has warned Ministers not to exclude local shops and wholesalers from submitting evidence to the planned supermarket watchdog.

Speaking at an important Competition Policy Conference in Central London he said: “Ministers have been heavily lobbied by some of the affected supermarket companies and their representatives to limit the scope of the proposed new regulator. They argue that the scope of the office should be limited to a simple arbitration role and that only the supermarkets and their direct suppliers should be able to provide evidence or raise issues.

“Such a shut out would be a terrible mistake, we know from bitter experience that fear of reprisal means no supplier with an existing commercial agreement with a supermarket will raise a complaint against their paymasters. Instead the regulator must be proactive, seeking out non-compliance and deterring bad practice. Local shops, wholesalers and other third parties have a crucial role to play to provide insights and tip offs about areas where breaches of the regulatory codes may be taking place.”

The Coalition Government is committed to delivering Supermarket Regulator although they have not as yet made clear the scope, funding or implementation timeframe for the new body. A Ministerial response to the formal consultation on the matter is due by the 29th July 2010.

Contacts:

Shane Brennan, Public Affairs Director
01252 533009 / 07921 372978

Chris Noice, Communications Assistant
01252 533013

Notes to Editors:

1. ACS (Association of Convenience Stores) is the voice of local shops, representing over 33,500 convenience stores. ACS helps local shops thrive through lobbying, support and networking opportunities.