News

The Welsh Government has announced plans to introduce restrictions on high fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) products in an effort to tackle obesity in Wales.

Announced today (27th June) the Welsh Government confirmed plans to introduce restrictions on temporary price reductions of HFSS products, including meal deal type offers and restrictions on where products high in fat, salt or sugar can be displayed.

Book your place at the launch of ACS’ 2023 Local Shop Report, taking place online on 14^th September.

This virtual launch event will give you the chance to have a first look at the findings of our 2023 Local Shop Report and to be a part of the discussion as we explore the data in detail and discuss what the information means in real terms.

Confirmed speakers and panellists include:

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has responded to the publication of a report from HM Revenue and Customs on the prevalence of non-duty paid alcohol and illicit tobacco in the UK, calling for tougher enforcement and continued focus on tackling the illicit trade.

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 £2.8 billion in 2021-22. Of this, £2.2 billion was lost in tobacco duties and a further £0.6 billion in VAT.

The body representing UK’s 48,000 convenience stores has called on police forces to introduce a ‘Most Wanted’ list for prolific shop thieves as part of new plans to tackle repeat offending.

The call comes as figures from the Association of Convenience Stores’ annual Crime Report, published today (22^nd June), show that their theft index* has reached new record levels. The record was previously broken last quarter after standing for over 10 years. 

ACS 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’ Store Tour and Networking Dinner, taking place in Leeds on 12^th July.

Our Store Tour is the perfect opportunity for retailers to take a day out from their store and see the innovative things that other retailers are doing in their businesses and for suppliers to see their products in store and gain more of an understanding of what it takes to run a successful convenience store.

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.