ACS

The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS), the campaigning voice of over 33,000 local shops, has responded to comments by the British Medical Association’s (BMA) Scottish Council calling for the introduction of licensing for tobacco products.

ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: “Introducing a positive licensing system for tobacco would be a disproportionate and costly system which would lead to more regulation and bureaucracy for retailers.

“A new system, with all the costs attached, should not be introduced when the existing penalties are not being used to their full extent.”

Contact:

Shane Brennan Public Affairs and Communications Manager
ACS
01252 515001 / 07921 372978

Rachel Lawson Communications Co-ordinator
ACS
01252 515001

Michael Saxton Grappa
020 7602 9222

Notes to Editors:

1. ACS is the convenience store champion, helping local shops thrive through lobbying, insight, information and commercial services.
2. The BMA’s comments can be found at: http://www.bma.org.uk/pressrel.nsf/wlu/GGRT-76SC3H?OpenDocument&vw=wfmms

3. ACS is a leader on responsible retailing issues and fully supports the No ID No Sale and Challenge 21 campaigns. For free point of sale and other materials retailers can contact CitizenCard on 0870 900 9930.

4. ACS Chief Executive James Lowman is on the Board of the Proof of Age Standards Scheme (PASS) Board.