ACS

ACS (Association of Convenience Stores), the campaigning voice of 33,000 local shops, has today expressed its concern at the prospect of abuse and conflict in shops as the minimum legal age for customers buying tobacco increases to 18.

Having previously called for a high profile awareness campaign, the Government’s consumer campaign has consisted largely of internet based advertising. A poll conducted this weekend found that one in three young people were not aware of the change in the law.

ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: “The Government’s communication campaign has been woefully inadequate. This is a substantial change in the law that will lead to thousands of 16-18 year olds and even more over 18s being asked for proof of age. Awareness appears to be worryingly low, with our research showing one in three 16-24 year olds are not aware of this change.

“The risk that low awareness presents is that people will blame the retailer for refusing to sell them a product they were previously able to buy. This will lead to flash points, abuse, intimidation and even violence.

“ACS has been helping retailers by providing advice and signage to display in store as a means of getting the message across to customers. Retailers can help themselves by being as clear as possible. This will go some way to averting the risk of abuse, intimidation and violence.”

Mr Lowman also called on the community to show their support for retailers as they implement this change in the law: “Preventing underage purchases is a tough day in day out challenge, retailers need the support of parents and the wider community to do this job. Abuse, intimidation and violence committed against a retailer is wholly unacceptable and we call on the Government, Police and the wider community to support retailers in not tolerating any such behaviour as a result of the change in the law.”




Contact:

Shane Brennan Public Affairs and Communications Manager
01252 515001/ 07921 372 978

Rachel Lawson Communications Co-ordinator
01252 515001

Michael Saxton/ Grappa PR
Julie Kirby 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) Retailers seeking advice, information or materials on coping with the age change should visit www.acs.org.uk or call 01252 515001.

3) ACS supports the change in the law to 18. The main long term benefit of this change for retailers will be the consistency between alcohol and tobacco in terms of the minimum purchase age.

4) The survey conducted independently for ACS by GfK surveyed 1002 adults in September 2007. The survey asked:

ON THE 1ST OCTOBER THE MINIMUM AGE FOR PURCHASING CIGARETTES, CIGARS AND ROLLING TOBACCO INCREASES FROM 16 TO 18, WERE YOU AWARE OF THIS CHANGE TO THE LAW, OR NOT?

Total aware: 68%
Total not aware: 33%

For a full breakdown of the survey contact Jenny Brown on 01252 515001.