News

The promotional restrictions on HFSS (high fat, salt, sugar) products that were due to come into force in October this year are set to be delayed until October 2025.

The restrictions on volume promotions in England will affect any convenience store business with more than 50 employees. Promotions affected include:

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has again called on the Government to take meaningful action on energy support for local shops in response to a damning Public Accounts Committee report on the operation of the Energy Bill Relief Scheme and Energy Bill Discount Scheme.  

Thanks to everyone who took part in our study tour to Stockholm last week. There’s no better way of meeting colleagues from the industry and discussing common issues than when you’re in stores looking at good practice from another market. The fresh perspective certainly opens people’s minds and always leads to some really positive conversations.

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has briefed parliamentarians ahead of a Ten Minute Motion Bill led by Emma Lewell-Buck MP proposing to create a law so those eligible for the Healthy Start scheme are automatically signed up, to stop them from missing out on vital support.

Time is running out to book your place at the parliamentary launch of ACS’ 2023 Crime Report, taking place on 22nd June at the Jubilee Room in the Houses of Parliament.

The parliamentary launch will provide the opportunity for retailers and suppliers to come together with MPs in Parliament to look at the findings of our 2023 Crime Report, talk about the impact that crime has on the convenience sector and share best practice on crime prevention.

The Scottish Government have delayed the introduction of its planned deposit return scheme until at least October 2025, after the UK Government blocked the inclusion of glass in the scheme.

In a statement to the Scottish Parliament today, Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity Lorna Slater MSP said: “The UK Government has offered no justification for removing one of the most significant parts of the deposit return scheme, the inclusion of glass. We have been left with no other option than to delay the introduction of DRS until October 2025 at the earliest.”

Trade associations representing high-street businesses including pubs, breweries, hairdressers, local shops and other small businesses have today written to the Chair of the newly formed Energy Security Committee to plead for urgent action to save them from the energy crisis.

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has called for a cautious approach to the setting of future National Living Wage (NLW) rates in a submission to the Low Pay Commission.

In the submission, ACS has urged the Low Pay Commission to recognise the unique challenges faced by businesses, including local shops, as a result of the cost of living crisis and increased operating costs.

In April 2023, the National Living Wage increased by 9.7% from £9.50 per hour to £10.42, in line with the Government’s target to reach two-thirds of median earnings by 2024.

The Scottish Government have today (May 30^th) published a summary of the responses to its initial consultation on high fat, salt, sugar (HFSS) product restrictions, setting out a path toward further consultation in the autumn.

Measures initially proposed by the Scottish Government sought to go further than those already in legislation in England, specifically including islands and freestanding displays within the location restrictions, and banning any temporary price reductions (e.g. 10% off for a certain period of time) within the promotional restrictions.

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has welcomed an announcement from the Government on plans to introduce a range of measures to tackle underage vaping.

Announced today (30th May), the measures include: