ACS

A proposal by Welsh Assembly Minister for the Environment, Jane Davidson, to create legislation to put an end to the use of free plastic bags in Wales, has been met with caution from ACS.

Officials will be undertaking the necessary work for possible regulation under the provisions of the Climate Change Act.

ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: “Retailers exceeded the agreed Defra target of a 25% reduction in single use carrier bags in 2008 and are working towards even greater reductions in 2009. This is not an issue where regulation is needed.

“Our concern is that local shops are likely to be hardest hit by a ban, they rely far more on unplanned shopping trips than other types of retailing and so could lose out to more out of town and car reliant alternatives. The Welsh Assembly need to think carefully about the implications that this policy would have on small retailers.

"ACS will continue to encourage members to put voluntary measures in place and we will work with Welsh Government to tackle the issue."

Contacts:

Shane Brennan Public Affairs Director
01252 515001/ 07921 372 978

Nina Collins Communications Coordinator
01252 515001

Michael Saxton/ Grappa PR
Julie Kirby 020 7602 9222

Notes to Editors:

1. ACS (Association of Convenience Stores) is the voice of local shops, representing over 33,000 convenience stores. ACS helps local shops thrive through lobbying, support and networking opportunities.

2. ACS is committed to the voluntary reduction of single use carrier bags and offers members a comprehensive advice guide on reducing carrier bag usage in store via the member’s area of the ACS website.