News

The Government has published guidance to help businesses prepare for the ban on single-use plastics which is due to come into force in October.

From 1^st October 2023, retailers will not be able supply, sell or offer the following single-use plastic items:

• Plates
• Trays
• Bowls
• Cutlery
• Balloon sticks
• Certain types of polystyrene cups and food containers

Retailers are advised to sell through existing stock before October, source alternative single-use materials and consider offering more reusable items.

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 as a collective 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.

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has responded to a HM Revenue and Customs consultation on tougher sanctions to tackle illicit tobacco, welcoming measures that could reduce the impact of the illicit trade on both retailers and consumers.

HMRC is considering the introduction of fines for up to £10,000 for persistent offenders selling large quantities of illicit tobacco, and the six-month removal of track and trace codes (economic operator ID) for severe cases of non-compliance.

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) is delighted to announce that Lituanica, the largest importer and distributor of Eastern European Food in the UK & Ireland, has joined ACS as a new Club member.

Lituanica opened in 2009 with the purpose of bringing the finest produce and dishes from homelands around Europe. Their unique selection includes a wide range of products, including: gourmet cured meat, smoked fish, pickles and preserves, as well as traditional dumplings and ice creams.

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has welcomed a new plan launched by the Welsh Government and Wales Retail Forum, which has been developed to build a more resilient retail sector in Wales.

Published today (19^th May) the Together for Retail: a Wales Retail Forum Action Plan highlights a number of key actions, including:

ACS has reiterated its support for tough enforcement action against those who sell vapes and other age restricted products to underage customers.

New figures released today by ASH (Action on Smoking and Health) and YouGov show that of the 7.6% of young people (11-17 year olds) who currently vape, 72% usually buy vapes themselves. Of those, just over a quarter (26%) say they buy them from corner shops.

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has updated its comprehensive DRS guide for Scotland to reflect the delay to the scheme. The Scottish Deposit Return Scheme was due to go live this year on 16th August but has now been delayed until 1st March 2024.

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) is reminding retailers about its industry leading guide on selling vaping products responsibly, including information on retailers' responsibilities when it comes to recycling.

All retailers selling vapes must provide an option for customers who buy the product to dispose of their old vapes. Retailers have two options for offering recycling services to customers for vapes, which depends on the total annual value of the sales you make of electrical and electronic equipment in your business. 

Book your place at ACS’ Technology Showcase and Hosted One2Ones, taking place on 16th May in London.

The Technology Showcase provides a unique opportunity for retailers to find out about new technology solutions that have either been recently launched or will be launched in the future by suppliers. The Showcase will be taking place at Everyman Broadgate, 1 Finsbury Ave, London, EC2M 2PF.

Book your place at the parliamentary launch of ACS’ 2023 Crime Report, taking place on 22^nd June at the Jubilee Room in the Houses of Parliament.

The parliamentary launch will provide the opportunity for retailers and suppliers to come together as a collective 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.