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ACS: Changes to the Sale of Domestic Solid Fuels Comes Into Force From 1st May

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) is reminding convenience retailers about the upcoming changes to the sale of manufactured solid fuels and wood.

From 1st May 2021, retail businesses in England including convenience stores, supermarkets and forecourts must not sell traditional house coal (bituminous coal).

Permitted manufactured solid fuels and wood also can only be sold as follows:

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ACS: Planning System Must Protect Local High Streets and Communities

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has responded to a House of Commons Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee inquiry on the Government’s approach to permitted development rights (PDR), highlighting the need for the Government to protect the integrity of local high streets and access to essential services.

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ACS Highlights Vital Role of Local Shops to Mayoral Candidates Ahead of Upcoming Elections

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has briefed all current and prospective combined authority mayoral candidates ahead of the elections taking place on 6th May.

In the briefing, ACS provided candidates with convenience sector data specific to their combined authority, including information on: the number of local shops, number of jobs and investment made by convenience retailers over the last year.

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Introduction of Plastic Bag Charge in Small Shops Delayed

DEFRA (the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) have confirmed that changes to plastic bag charge regulations will now not come into force on 30th April.

Changes to the single use carrier bag charge rules will see the minimum charge for a plastic bag rise from 5p to 10p, and all businesses included within the rules, where previously only those with more than 250 employees have been included.

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New Age of Play Changes Come into Effect for Lottery Products

From today, Camelot have changed the rules of National Lottery games so that only customers who are 18 or above will be able to play.

Last year, the government carried out a review of gambling laws to ensure they were, and remain, fit for the digital age. As part of this, it was announced that, in October 2021, the minimum age to play The National Lottery will be raised from 16 to 18.

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ACS: Government Supports Amendment to Introduce Cashback Without Purchase

The Government has agreed an amendment to the Financial Services Bill which will enable shops to offer cashback to customers without making a purchase.

The amendment to the House of Lords Financial Services Bill, tabled by Conservative Peer Lord Holmes of Richmond, will remove an existing requirement for retailers to register with the Financial Conduct Authority to offer cashback without an in-store purchase within the same transaction. 

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