ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has welcomed government approval of the UK Deposit Management Organisation Ltd (UK DMO) to deliver the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
The UK DMO is a business-led, non-profit organisation which aims to deliver the administration of the upcoming Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) for single-use plastic and metal drinks containers by October 2027.
ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) would like to remind retailers about the guidance available on the Simpler Recycling regulations which came into force on 31st March.
ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) is encouraging convenience stores to prepare for the new Simpler Recycling Regulations, coming into force on March 31st 2025.
From the date of implementation, businesses in their entirety with more than 10 full time equivalent employees will be required to separate their waste into four different streams. Those with fewer than 10 FTE employees will have until March 2027 to comply.
The four waste streams that will need to be segregated are:
We're excited to welcome you to our events in the coming year, with something for everyone whether you're a supplier into the convenience sector, an independent retailer, or part of a larger retail group. As part of our events schedule for 2025, we'll also be celebrating our 30th anniversary, celebrating the people that have made an invaluable contribution to the convenience sector over the last 30 years.
Here are some of our events coming up at the start of 2025 that are essential to attend:
Brand Day
January 22, Wolverhampton
Taking place this year on 7th December, Small Business Saturday is an annual campaign celebrating and encouraging support for small businesses across the UK. The grassroots, non-profit and non-political campaign encourages people across the country to support small businesses, whether online, in-offices, or in-store.
The Association of Convenience Stores has raised serious concerns in response to the Welsh Government’s decision to create its own Deposit Return Scheme specifically for Wales, instead of delivering a UK wide scheme.
ACS is encouraging retailers to begin their preparations for selling through disposable vaping products ahead of a ban, which is set to come into force in Wales and Scotland on April 1st 2025.
From April 1st, the only vaping products that will be legal for sale in Wales and Scotland will be those that feature the following features:
The FSA (Food Standards Agency) has issued a warning regarding the production and distribution of counterfeit vodka, which has adopted the ‘Glen’s Vodka’ label, as it makes its way to stores across the UK.
These bottles contain counterfeit vodka. This is unsafe for consumption as it has been found to contain isopropyl alcohol, an industrial solvent which increases the risk of alcohol poisoning and in severe cases, death. It can be identified by its strange smell and taste which differs from legitimate vodka.
The new King Charles III £1 coins have entered circulation this week and have been issued to bank services and post offices in preparation for release. The three million coins that will begin to be used by consumers and services across the country will feature one of eight flora and fauna designs alongside the King’s side portrait, such as bees, squirrels, and other UK native animals and plants, aiming to showcase the importance and value of nature across the UK.
ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has welcomed the latest statement from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) on the importance of access to cash in communities.
The FCA have announced that from 18th September 2024, banks and building societies will be required to provide “reasonable additional cash services” when closing branches or making other changes to existing cash services. These may include banking hubs, ATMs, and Post Office facilities.
