News

New research published by ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has revealed that over 90% of convenience retailers do not have concerns about their tobacco display ban compliance.

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has set out its recommendations to Government on business rate reform to make the system fairer and help small businesses.

In its submission, ACS highlights the inherent issues in the rates system that penalise retailers trying to expand and invest in their business.

The Welsh Government has introduced new plans to create a national retailers register of tobacco and nicotine products, including e-cigarettes and tobacco papers.

This proposal featured in the Public Health Bill (Wales) which was initiated into the National Assembly for Wales yesterday. The Bill also includes proposals to make the proxy purchase of tobacco and nicotine products illegal, meaning an adult cannot buy tobacco products on behalf of a person under the age of 18.

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has called on the chancellor to support the growth of convenience stores by taking action on employment, rates reform and duty fraud ahead of the summer 2015 Budget.

In its submission to government ahead of the first Budget after the 2015 General Election, ACS has called for government to ensure that the Low Pay Commission remains an independent body and is not influenced by central government targets.

ACS chief executive, James Lowman has set out the challenges facing forecourts during the next parliament at today’s 2015 Forecourt Seminar, focusing on business rates and the continuing localism agenda as key priorities in the coming months.

The ACS Forecourt Seminar tomorrow (3rd June 2015) is the can’t-miss event packed with exciting ideas and concepts for both existing forecourt retailers and convenience retailers looking to expand their store’s offering to include selling fuel.

This year’s event, held at the Hilton Metropole Hotel in Birmingham, will be split into three thought-provoking feature sessions looking at the challenges currently facing forecourt stores, examples of best practice from around the UK, and  uncovering ideas for the future.

The Tobacco Display Ban came into effect for all small stores on 6^th April 2015 meaning that it is now illegal to display tobacco products to customers, unless a display is requested by someone over the age of 18.

Since the implementation of the ban, ACS has worked closely with retailers to ensure all convenience stores comply with and fully understand the new regulations. As part of their work to help retailers know what they can and can’t do under the new law, ACS has produced a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) and their answers.

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has responded to a report highlighting the extent of illegal tobacco consumption across Europe, calling for immediate action to tackle the illicit trade in the UK.

The report, released today by KPMG, claims that over 56 billion illegal cigarettes were consumed in 2014 across the EU, representing 10% of total consumption. Over the last year, more than 8 in 10 illegal cigarettes consumed originated from outside the EU.

ACS has welcomed measures outlined in the Queen’s Speech today supporting the growth of local shops.

ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “The new legislative agenda has a clear vision to support small stores through the Enterprise Bill so that they can make essential investments in their infrastructure, staff and local communities. We will be working with the Department for Business on ensuring that deregulation supports convenience store owners.”

New measures have come into force today banning the use of exclusivity clauses in zero hour employment contracts.

The ban on these contracts, which prevent employees from working for another employer even though they themselves do not guarantee any hours of work, became law through the government’s Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Bill.