ACS

ACS Public Affairs Director Shane Brennan has told retailers to expect alcohol issues to take centre stage in the months leading up to the general election at the ACS Responsible Retailing Forum today.

Speaking at the forum, Brennan said: “Retailers cannot expect any respite on alcohol issues in the coming months. Alcohol will be a significant part of all party election campaigns and it is essential that local shop owners are aware of their social responsibilities. However, it is also important for retailers to look past the elections. Regardless of which party forms the next Government, a long term commitment to responsible retailing on products like tobacco and alcohol will be a vital part of the retail landscape next year, especially for convenience stores.”

“ACS is continuing to work hard on the Alcohol Code of Practice, along with the issues arising from the Tobacco Display Ban, which received the Royal Assent this month.”

The Responsible Retailing forum, hosted in Birmingham, brought together retailers from across the country to discuss controversial issues like tobacco, alcohol and under-age sales. Speaking at the event were Hannah Tait, Department of Health; Richard Lamming, Communications Director for the British Soft Drinks Association and John Drummond, Chief Executive of the Scottish Grocers Federation amongst others.