ACS

The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS), the campaigning voice of over 33,000 local shops, is co-ordinating a Sensible Drinking initiative in Bristol from 7th September aimed at educating consumers about alcohol intake and explaining alcohol units.

The initiative is a leaflet trial which will provide customers with recommended alcohol intake advice and information on how many alcohol units can be found in each drink. 30,000 leaflets are being distributed across 40 ACS member stores over three days (7th – 9th September). In addition to sensible drinking advice, the leaflets will also contain tips on how people can manage their alcohol intake and provide advice on binge drinking.

The initiative is being supported by Thresher, Nisa-Todays, The Co-operative Group, SPAR, Capper and Co, Budgens and Londis stores.

David Cooper, local Nisa retailer in Bristol, said: “The amount any customer of mine drinks is a matter of personal choice, but I am happy to provide them with more information about sensible drinking so that they make an informed choice. This is a positive measure that we hope will make a difference to drink awareness generally.

“As an active ACS member I am delighted that our association has been given the opportunity to lead the sector in the sensible consumption of alcohol. The leaflets will give my staff the material they need to inform our customers and give them the tips they need for safe drinking.”

ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: “We fully support the Government’s National Alcohol Strategy, it identified the need to improve the current low awareness amongst consumers about sensible drinking. This trial is about the local shops sector trying new and innovative ways of providing that information to our customers.

“The leaflet initiative has been kindly supported by Scottish & Newcastle and we are very grateful to the support that they have given to this scheme.”

The Sensible Drinking initiative follows the lead set down by the Government’s National Alcohol Strategy (published June 2007) that set a clear objective to increase public awareness of sensible drinking.

The leaflets will be distributed until 9th September. ACS will be collating the results and providing the information as best practice for all members in due course.



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. ACS representatives will be in Bristol and surrounding areas on Thursday 6th and Friday 7th September.
3. Photocalls and interviews are available with the following retailers:
a. Cooper Foodstore – Fishponds Bristol.
4. ACS is the convenience store champion, helping local shops thrive through lobbying, insight, information and commercial services.
5. More information about sensible drinking is available from www.drinkaware.co.uk.