Press Releases
ACS Writes to New Levelling Up Minister Urging Energy Support for Local Shops
ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has written to the new Levelling Up Minister Dehenna Davison MP calling for an extension of the Energy Bill Relief Scheme for local shops.
In the letter, ACS has highlighted the vital role that convenience stores play in communities across the UK and outlined serious concerns about the impact of energy price increases from April 2023.
Read MoreWelsh Government Introduces Legislation to Ban Single-Use Plastics
The Welsh Government has introduced legislation to ban or restrict the sale and supply of single-use plastics across Wales in an effort to reduce plastic pollution.
The legislation will take effect in autumn 2023 and covers the following single-use plastic items:
Read MoreLocal Shops Welcome Significant Support on Rates; Still Await Energy Plans for Businesses
Local shops have welcomed a significant business rates support package announced in the 2022 Autumn Statement.
In the Autumn Statement, the Government has announced that from April 2023, it will provide business rates support in the following headline areas:
Read MoreACS Updates Vaping Guide to Help Consumers and Retailers Spot Illicit Products
ACS has updated its industry leading Assured Advice guide on selling vapes, helping retailers to tackle the huge rise in illicit products on shelves.
The new ‘Selling Vapes Responsibly’ guide includes everything that retailers need to know to recognise legitimate products, as well as the age verification policies that should be in place to ensure that products are only sold to those who are legally allowed to purchase them.
Some of the key areas highlighted in the guide include:
Read MoreACS Urges Consistent UK Approach for HFSS Rules
The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has raised concerns about the introduction of different HFSS rules in Scotland and the impact that they’ll have on retailers.
In response to an Impact Assessment from the Scottish Government on the details of proposals to restrict the siting and promotion of HFSS products, ACS has highlighted the significant impact that the proposals will have on retailers – especially those that have stores in both Scotland and other areas of the UK.
Read MoreACS Calls for Targeted Support to Tackle Illicit Tobacco Trade
ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has briefed MPs ahead of a ten minute rule motion on tobacco licensing led by Bob Blackman MP.
In its briefing, ACS has encouraged MPs to consider how more resources can be directed to Trading Standards to help them tackle the illicit tobacco trade.
Research conducted by ACS of enforcement officers in Trading Standards across the UK has shown that 61% don’t believe they have the resources to tackle the illicit tobacco and vaping market.
Read MoreThousands of Local Shops at Risk without Long Term Energy Support
The Association of Convenience Stores has warned that store closures are inevitable if local shops do not receive support on energy bills beyond March 2023.
In a letter to the Business Secretary, ACS has called for an extension of the Energy Bill Relief Scheme until at least April 2024 for convenience stores across the UK, giving retailers the certainty they need to be able to keep trading and serving their communities.
Read MoreACS Welcomes New Guidance to Support Retailers ahead of DRS Introduction in Scotland
ACS has strongly welcomed new guidance published by the Scottish Government which takes an important step toward the introduction of a workable and cost effective Deposit Return Scheme in Scotland.
The new guidance, published today (November 4th) makes the process of applying for an exemption from the regulations much less complex. While this does not change the eligibility criteria for an exemption itself, it does provide the following important features:
Read MoreNational Business Crime Centre Launches Training Videos to Protect Shopworkers
Today (27th October) the National Business Crime Centre (NBCC) has launched a series of training videos which have been developed to support and protect colleagues working in the retail sector.
Read MoreHeart of the Community 2022: Retailers Debate Future of Levelling Up Agenda; Response to Sustainability Challenges
200 retailers gathered in Westminster on Tuesday (October 18th) to hear from policymakers, political commentators, and local decision makers about how the convenience sector can respond to the challenges it faces on levelling up and sustainability.
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