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ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has responded to a HMRC consultation on sanctions to tackle tobacco duty evasion, highlighting the detrimental impact that the illicit trade has on legitimate retailers.

The consultation sought views on proposals for new sanctions linked to the UK’s tobacco track and trace system, and extending HMRC’s traceability enforcement powers to Trading Standards officers. ACS’ response to the consultation also highlighted that enforcement action against local shops is not a panacea for the illicit tobacco market.

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has reiterated its calls to the Treasury ahead of the 2021 Budget on Wednesday, calling on the Chancellor to extend the business rates discount in 2021/22 to avoid a ‘sudden shock’ of high rates bills while stores are still dealing with the impact of the pandemic.

ACS recommends a minimum 50% reduction in business rates for 2021/22 to taper the reintroduction of rates and avoid a cliff edge spike in operating costs at a time when local shops are still investing in and adapting their businesses to keep customers and colleagues safe.

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has confirmed the date of its biggest annual conference, taking place virtually as an immersive event on 13^th April.

Summit21 is an unmissable event for anyone involved with the convenience sector, bringing together retailers, suppliers and industry experts from around the world.

ACS has urged the Government to recognise the importance of rural shops and ensure that they are not left playing catch up when it comes to being able to provide services to their customers.

The 2021 ACS Rural Shop Report has revealed how crucial the UK’s 17,000+ rural shops are to their local communities, with findings from this year’s report showing that throughout 2020, rural consumers have increasingly used their local shop for a wider range of products, and one in five reporting that they depend on their local shop more now than a year ago.

Book your place at ACS’ Crime Seminar, taking place virtually between 10-11.15am on 23rd March 2021.

The event will feature the launch of the 2021 Crime Report, provide the opportunity to hear about best practice from industry experts and explore how the sector is working to tackle crime.

Minister for Crime and Policing Kit Malthouse has been confirmed to address the seminar to talk about action the Government is taking on retail crime and violence, including ACS’ work in partnership with the Home Office.