ACS Advice

The Tobacco Display Ban came into effect for all small stores on 6^th April 2015 meaning that it is now illegal to display tobacco products to customers, unless a display is requested by someone over the age of 18.

Since the implementation of the ban, ACS has worked closely with retailers to ensure all convenience stores comply with and fully understand the new regulations. As part of their work to help retailers know what they can and can’t do under the new law, ACS has produced a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) and their answers.

ACS is encouraging retailers to follow Assured Advice on the tobacco display ban to ensure compliance with the regulations. By signing up to Assured Advice (free of charge for ACS members), retailers cannot be challenged by local enforcement agencies if they are following the guidance set out through Assured Advice.

Two of the UKs leading trade associations have joined forces to produce new guidance for retailers on schemes run by local authorities that aim to voluntarily remove high strength alcohol from sale. The Association of Convenience Stores and the Wine and Spirit Trade Association have developed the advice following concerns raised about the approach of the so called “Reducing the Strength” initiatives across the UK.

ACS has published a brand new guide for Managing Food Safety and Hygiene to add to the successful Assured Advice scheme. The new guide provides an overview of what is expected of convenience store retailers to comply with food safety and hygiene laws.

The ACS Assured Advice Guide for Managing Food Safety and Hygiene contains comprehensive advice to protect retailers against a range of risks apparent in a typical convenience store. Included in the guide are procedures for temperature checks, chilled storage, hot foods, cross contamination, record keeping, waste, cleaning and more.

ACS has published three new guides that form the latest additions to its Assured Advice scheme for convenience retailers. The new Guides provide definitive advice on Weights and Measures, Product Safety and Fair Trading.

ACS Assured Advice is an innovative new scheme that allows ACS to provide advice on trading standards regulation that is definitive and cannot be challenged or changed from on local authority to the next.

The Guides include: