July 2016

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has responded to the independent review of the Access to Banking Protocol, which details how banks should ensure sufficient access to banking services following the closure of branches. This year-on review of the Protocol will consider the way banks have applied it in practice, and the extent to which pre-closure assessment, community engagement and local impact assessments have informed the identification of suitable alternative ways to bank.

The following information features in ACS’ Assured Advice guide on managing food safety and hygiene. More information about Assured Advice and how to sign up to the scheme is available in the Advice section of the ACS website.

Retailers who provide a food to go service for customers must protect those customers that suffer from allergic reactions to food. There are 14 allergens covered by the law – they are:

The Department for Communities and Local Government have published their response to a consultation on reforming the business rates system, making recommendations for a more transparent, streamlined appeals process.

ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “We are pleased that the Government have listened to our concerns about delivering a more transparent rating system in order to resolve retailers’ rating appeals as early as possible.  We welcome that Government has also dedicated resource to support the smallest businesses get fast tracked through the rating system.”