ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has responded to the Prime Minister’s Conservative Party Conference speech, highlighting the convenience sector’s strong record on age restricted sales.
In his speech to CPC in Manchester today, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced future Government plans to change the law on the sale of tobacco so that the age of sale rises by one year, every year. Similar policies are already in place in New Zealand. The Prime Minister stated that the vote will be a free vote and not one that is subject to a government whip.
The Prime Minister also outlined his concerns about the vaping category and the impact of disposable vapes, stating that he wants to ‘bring forward measures to restrict the availability of vapes to our children… looking at flavours, packaging, displays and disposable vapes.’
On tobacco legislation, ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “We will work with the Government on how this policy will be implemented and enforced. Our sector has a proud record on preventing under age purchases, and we will continue to provide the advice members need to comply with whatever age restriction policy parliament decides on.”
On vaping, Mr Lowman said: “We welcome further consultation on vaping products and hope the government will look carefully at increasing funding for enforcement activity to prevent underage sales and stamp out the sale of illegal vapes.”
As part of its industry leading Assured Advice scheme, developed in partnership with Surrey and Buckinghamshire Trading Standards, ACS has comprehensive guidance available for retailers on the responsible sale of both tobacco and vaping products. ACS has also recently launched a campaign to help retailers communicate their responsibilities when it comes to the sale of vapes, as well as helping both retailers and customers identify fake and illicit product.
More information about Assured Advice is available here.
Oct
04
