News

DEFRA (the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) have confirmed that changes to plastic bag charge regulations will now not come into force on 30^th April.

Changes to the single use carrier bag charge rules will see the minimum charge for a plastic bag rise from 5p to 10p, and all businesses included within the rules, where previously only those with more than 250 employees have been included.

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) is calling on retailers to respond to its annual National Living Wage Survey.

ACS’ National Living Wage Survey will inform ACS’ submission to the Low Pay Commission’s consultation on future wage rates. The consultation is seeking views on:

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ACS published its Crime Report last month. The report uncovered almost 40,000 cases of violence against convenience store staff and found that more than a quarter involved a weapon.

COVID safety measures are proving a significant flashpoint for violence. According to the report, 65% of respondents had witnessed a covid-related threat to staff in the past year.

From today, Camelot have changed the rules of National Lottery games so that only customers who are 18 or above will be able to play.

Last year, the government carried out a review of gambling laws to ensure they were, and remain, fit for the digital age. As part of this, it was announced that, in October 2021, the minimum age to play The National Lottery will be raised from 16 to 18.

The Government has agreed an amendment to the Financial Services Bill which will enable shops to offer cashback to customers without making a purchase.

The amendment to the House of Lords Financial Services Bill, tabled by Conservative Peer Lord Holmes of Richmond, will remove an existing requirement for retailers to register with the Financial Conduct Authority to offer cashback without an in-store purchase within the same transaction. 

The UK’s biggest retailers, the Home Office and independent charity Crimestoppers have today launched a new and timely campaign urging the public to ShopKind after the reopening of more stores and shops across the country.

Abuse and violence towards shopworkers is a bigger problem than many people might think, with at least 400 shopworkers abused every day. 

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) is calling on retailers to respond to its annual National Living Wage Survey.

Launched today (16th April), ACS’ National Living Wage Survey will inform ACS’ submission to the Low Pay Commission’s consultation on future wage rates. The consultation is seeking views on:

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) partnered with the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) and other food and drink industry groups for a Welsh hustings event this morning ahead of the Welsh Assembly elections taking place on May 6^th.

The event, chaired by Chris Kelsey, editor of Business News Wales, gave the opportunity for political parties to provide more detail about how their policies will support the food and drink sector.

The party representatives included:

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) is reminding convenience retailers about the upcoming changes to the sale of manufactured solid fuels and wood.

From 1st May 2021, retail businesses in England including convenience stores, supermarkets and forecourts must not sell traditional house coal (bituminous coal).

Permitted manufactured solid fuels and wood also can only be sold as follows:

Today (14th April) ACS gave oral evidence to the Home Affairs Select Committee on the Government’s and policing response to incidents of violence and abuse of shopworkers, calling for urgent action to protect retail workers.

In evidence session, ACS reiterated the recommendations in its written submission, which include: