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A new consultation has been launched by HM Treasury, proposing a framework for moving towards three-yearly revaluations of business rates from five-yearly and simplifying the appeals system.

The consultation proposes a number of new requirements on retailers, including:

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has welcomed a new report from the Home Affairs Committee on violence and abuse towards retail workers, which urges the Government to do more to protect people working in local shops.

The Committee’s Inquiry into violence and abuse against retail workers, chaired by Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP, was launched in December 2020, and took evidence from ACS, USDAW, the BRC, Boots and others during a series of evidence sessions earlier this year.

Content supplied by Suntory Beverage and Food GB&I: 

Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I (SBF GB&I) is unveiling a new text-to-win promotion across its leading soft drinks brands to help retailers take advantage of this summer’s sizzling sales opportunity. 

Marking the first time Lucozade Energy, Lucozade Sport and Ribena have come together for a consumer promotion, this in-store summer activation will run for six weeks and offers consumers the chance to win a host of unstoppable prizes when buying their favourite soft drink. 

From Sunday 18^th July, HMRC will be requiring new checks on the codes that are given to businesses to ensure that they are registered properly for the UK track and trace system.

ACS has expressed disappointment at the Government’s decision not to take forward an amendment to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill that would have introduced a new offence specifically for attacking or abusing a shopworker.

The amendment, put forward at the Committee Stage of the PCSC Bill this week by Shadow Policing Minister Sarah Jones MP, would have ensured that criminals who attack shopworkers face tougher penalties, especially in cases where the shopworker has been attacked whilst enforcing the law, for example on age restricted sales.

New restrictions on the advertising of products containing high levels of fat, salt or sugar (HFSS) has been announced by the Government this morning (24 June).

The new polymer £50 note has entered circulation today (Wednesday 23^rd June), featuring the scientist Alan Turing.

ACS is urging retailers to ensure that they aware of the notes’ security features as it begins to be used by customers.

The polymer £50 note contains advanced security features, including:

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) is calling on MPs to back an amendment to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts (PCSC) Bill that would make assaulting a retail worker a specific offence.

Content supplied by ACS Connect member EnergyBillKill.

Is Net Zero Good for my Business?

Yes, Net Zero is good for your business because sustainable use of energy can start saving your business money. You do not need to be a tree hugger, being a commercially savvy business is sufficient.

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) is calling for a cautious approach to increasing the National Living Wage (NLW) and other statutory minimum wage rates in 2022/23 to allow the labour market and economy to recover from the impact of the pandemic.

Informed by ACS’ National Living Wage Survey 2021, ACS’ submission recommends that the Low Pay Commission (LPC) should consider extending the timetable for NLW reaching two-thirds of median earnings by 2024, which is currently projected to be £10.33.

Findings from ACS’ National Living Wage Survey 2021 show that: