News

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:

Content provided by f'real:

f’real is set to help the UK enjoy a summer of refreshment with the latest flavour addition available for a limited time only – Mint Choc Chip.

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.