News

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has responded to the publication of the Scottish Government’s updated Tobacco Control Action Plan, raising concerns that the introduction of a tobacco licensing scheme would end up duplicating burdens on retailers.

The Tobacco Control Action Plan sets out the Scottish Government’s actions on tobacco control for the next five years, including considering new conditions for their tobacco registration scheme and whether they should license retailers to sell tobacco. 

GroceryAid is reminding colleagues about its programme aimed at providing insight, advice and actions for those struggling with their mental health.  

The service offers an anonymous, safe and secure space for users to learn and develop, empowering people to manage their own mental and behavioural health. Working with SilverCloud this service will offer a personal, flexible and accessible online space to help with anxiety.

ACS is encouraging retailers to get involved with the Great Get Together, taking place this year on the weekend of 22^nd-24^th June.

The ACS/PRA Forecourt Conference is the must-attend event for anyone interested in fuel retailing. This year’s conference is taking place on 3^rd July at the King Power Stadium in Leicester.

The forecourt sector is made up of over 8,400 stores providing jobs to over 109,000 people. Forecourt retailers are faced with many opportunities and challenges as technology and consumer demands change, the Forecourt Conference is the chance to hear from industry experts about the sector and ask them questions.

ACS has responded to the publication of a new report from consumer group Which? that warns of 60 bank branches closing every month, highlighting the role of convenience stores in continuing to provide banking services for local customers.

The report found that 2,868 branches will have closed between 2015 and the end of 2018, with Scotland, the South East and the North West seeing the most closures per region.

ACS has responded to the publication of HM Revenue and Customs’ report on the prevalence of non-duty paid alcohol and illicit tobacco in the UK, reiterating calls for targeted action at a local level to reduce the impact of the illicit trade on responsible retailers.

According to HM Revenue and Customs, the tobacco tax gap driven by the illicit market in cigarettes and hand-rolling tobacco is estimated to be £2.5 billion in 2016-17. Of this, £1.9 billion was lost in tobacco duties and a further £0.5 billion in VAT.

A number of MPs have raised concerns about the cost of business rates and its impact on small businesses during a Westminster Hall debate on the subject this morning. 

Speaking during the debate, Labour MP and chair of the All Party Parliamentary Small Shops Group Ruth George referenced ACS research which shows that one in three small businesses have seen an increase in their rates bills since the last revaluation in 2017. 

ACS has given evidence to the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee who are currently holding an inquiry into the impact of energy drinks on children’s health. 

As part of the inquiry, the Committee are looking at what current action is being taken on the sale of energy drinks to children and whether regulation has a role to play, such as the introduction of a legal age restriction for energy drinks.

ACS is encouraging retailers to get involved with the Great Get Together, taking place this year on the weekend of 22^nd-24^th June.

ACS is calling on all Police and Crime Commissioners to pledge to ensure that police forces take shop theft and abuse of staff seriously, and that they respond to incidents where they’re reported. 

The pledges that PCCs are being asked to sign up to include: