ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has called on Chancellor Jeremy Hunt to give convenience store retailers the incentives necessary to invest in the safety, security and long term future of their businesses.
Other News
PM Promises Action on Tobacco and Vaping in Party Conference Speech
ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has responded to the Prime Minister’s Conservative Party Conference speech, highlighting the convenience sector’s strong record on age restricted sales.
In his speech to CPC in Manchester today, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced future Government plans to change the law on the sale of tobacco so that the age of sale rises by one year, every year. Similar policies are already in place in New Zealand. The Prime Minister stated that the vote will be a free vote and not one that is subject to a government whip.
Scottish Government to Consult on Banning the Sale of Single-Use Vapes
First Minister Humza Yousaf has announced the Scottish Programme for Government which outlines the legislative priorities for the next parliamentary year.
Announced today (5th September) the programme includes plans to address vaping in Scotland both in terms of use of vaping products by nonsmokers and young people and tackling the environmental impact of single-use vapes.
Businesses and Charities Call on the Chancellor to Protect Cash as a Payment Method
In a joint letter to the Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt, a coalition of businesses, charities and consumer groups, including ACS, have called for urgent action to protect cash as a critical payment method for both consumers and businesses.
ACS Calls on Ofgem to Stop Excessive Use of Expensive Deemed Rates by Energy Suppliers
ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has called on energy regulator Ofgem to take urgent action to limit the way that suppliers can put non-domestic customers onto expensive deemed rates, as part of a wider ambition to make the market fairer and more transparent.
ACS Echoes Concerns About Impact of Retail Crime on Shopworkers
ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has echoed concerns raised by the Co-op about the levels of retail crime over the past year and the impact that this has on local shops and the communities that they serve.
New data published today (27th July) from the Co-op has seen crime, shoplifting and anti-social behaviour jump 35% year-on-year, with more than 175,000 incidents recorded in the first six months of this year – almost 1,000 incidents every day.
Local Shops Call for Better Regulation of the Energy Market
ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has responded to a consultation from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, calling for better regulation of the energy market and greater protections for small businesses.
In the submission, ACS has highlighted the need for tougher regulation of energy suppliers which will then in turn provide businesses with clarity on their billing, payment options, data transparency, contract terms, and termination.
Welsh Government Announces Plans for HFSS Restrictions
The Welsh Government has announced plans to introduce restrictions on high fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) products in an effort to tackle obesity in Wales.
Announced today (27th June) the Welsh Government confirmed plans to introduce restrictions on temporary price reductions of HFSS products, including meal deal type offers and restrictions on where products high in fat, salt or sugar can be displayed.
ACS Highlights Detrimental Impact of the Illicit Trade on Communities
ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has responded to the publication of a report from HM Revenue and Customs on the prevalence of non-duty paid alcohol and illicit tobacco in the UK, calling for tougher enforcement and continued focus on tackling the illicit trade.
According to HM Revenue and Customs, the tobacco tax gap driven by the illicit market in cigarettes and hand-rolling tobacco is estimated to be £2.8 billion in 2021-22. Of this, £2.2 billion was lost in tobacco duties and a further £0.6 billion in VAT.
Local Shops Call for New ‘Most Wanted’ List of Thieves as Shop Theft Reaches New Record High
The body representing UK’s 48,000 convenience stores has called on police forces to introduce a ‘Most Wanted’ list for prolific shop thieves as part of new plans to tackle repeat offending.
The call comes as figures from the Association of Convenience Stores’ annual Crime Report, published today (22nd June), show that their theft index* has reached new record levels. The record was previously broken last quarter after standing for over 10 years.