ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has responded to the publication of regulations outlining the Government’s plans to ban disposable vapes, highlighting the huge financial impact that the ban will have on retailers.
Politics
Budget 2024: ACS Call on the Chancellor to Provide More Support for Local Shops Ahead of Wednesday
With Budget due to be launched next Wednesday 6th March, ACS (The Association of Convenience Stores) are hoping to see Chancellor Jeremy Hunt provide support for retail and convenience stores by addressing rising costs in business rates, employment, and the cost of providing access to cash. In its submission ahead of Budget, ACS highlighted the importance of providing support to thousands of stores and extending retail, hospitality, and leisure reliefs to protect them from cost uncertainty from business rates in the medium term.
Chief Executive's Blog: Government 'Acting Decisively' on Vapes?
It's frustrating that policy-makers still seem to think that banning something will mean it ceases to exist. The Scottish Government has published the statutory instrument it will use to ban disposable vapes and by the time you read this Westminster may well have followed suit, with both jurisdictions deliberately using the parliamentary mechanism that will attract the least debate and attention.
ACS Sets Out Vape Ban Concerns to Lorna Slater MSP
ACS has written to the Scottish Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity Lorna Slater MSP, raising concerns about the impact that a ban on disposable vapes would have on responsible retailers.
The Scottish Government set out its plans to go ahead with a ban on disposable vapes last week with the publication of draft regulations and a two week consultation period. The ban is scheduled to come into force in April 2025.
ACS Welcomes Continued Small Shop Exemption from Unit Pricing Regulations
ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has welcomed the Government’s decision to continue exempting small shops from unit pricing regulations.
In its response to the consultation on improving price transparency and product information for consumers, the Department of Business and Trade has concluded that there is no compelling case for removing the exemption. The majority of respondents to the consultation, including ACS, supported this outcome.
Budget 2024: Local Shops Seek Stability as Costs Continue Rising
ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has called on the Chancellor to hold back the tide of rising costs for local shops in key areas like business rates, employment, and the cost of providing access to cash.
Over 15,000 Free to Use ATMs Lost Since 2018
The number of free to use cash machines available in the UK has fallen by almost 30% in the last five years, according to new figures from the Association of Convenience Stores.
Autumn Statement: Business Rates Discounts Extended for Convenience Stores
ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has welcomed the Chancellor’s support for local shops by extending the 75% business rates discount for retail and hospitality businesses through 2024-25.
Autumn Statement: ACS Urges Chancellor to Support Retailers with Investment Incentives
ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has reiterated its calls on Chancellor Jeremy Hunt to give convenience store retailers the incentives necessary to invest in the safety, security and long term future of their businesses.
In its submission to the Autumn Statement, taking place on 22nd November, ACS has called on the Chancellor to support retailers with stability on business rates, pragmatism on future wage increases, and a commitment to tackling crime in communities across the UK.
Key measures recommended by ACS in the submission include: