Press Releases

This morning the WRC, CBI  and ACS has presented the Welsh Government with our recommendations to resolve the confusion over non-essential items. We hope government will agree to these recommendations and the people of Wales can refocus all their energies on respecting the Fire Break.

We believe these recommendations will fulfil retail’s role in tackling the spread of the virus while allowing for discretion to be used on an individual basis – as recommended by Health Minister Vaughan Gethin yesterday.

Our recommendations are as follows:

ACS has called on the Welsh Government to drop its ban on so called ‘non-essential’ products ahead of a review of the policy today (Monday).

The calls come after the Welsh First Minister said that retailers could now use their ‘discretion’ around whether or not to sell non-essential goods.

The Welsh Government have now confirmed guidance for retailers on the types of products that can and cannot be sold, just a few hours ahead of the introduction of the firebreak lockdown restrictions at 6pm today.

The Welsh Government states that the products and services which can be sold in stores are any products which would normally be sold in:

ACS has written to the Transport Secretary, calling on the Government to support the UK’s 8,000+ forecourts with additional funding to help the expansion of the electric vehicle charging network.

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has responded to a consultation on reducing single-use plastic in Wales.

The Welsh Government is proposing a ban on nine single-use plastic items including; plastic straws, cotton buds and plastic stirrers, similar to the ban in England which came into effect on 1st October 2020.

The consultation proposes a ban on the following nine single-use items:

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has welcomed the launch of a new campaign from the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) providing consumers with advice on how to purchase and use fireworks responsibly.

OPSS is working with the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, the Child Accident Prevention Trust, and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, focusing on advising consumers on how to use fireworks safely and considerately, protecting both people and animals from harm.

ACS has welcomed the passing of a Bill which will delay the next re-evaluation of business rates to 2023.

The Non-Domestic Rating (Lists) (No.2) Bill, postpones the date on which the next re-evaluation of business rates in England and Wales takes effect from 2022 to 2023. The Scottish Government has also committed to delay its 2022 revaluation until 2023.

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has welcomed a new call for evidence from the Government on the future of the UK’s cash system.

Under the proposals, announced this morning (15^th October), cashback could be made available in shops for customers that wouldn’t be required to make a purchase to access the service.

The plans would also give the overall responsibility for the UK’s cash system and protecting access to cash to the Financial Conduct Authority.

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) is reminding convenience retailers to ensure that they are aware of the rules and guidelines that apply to the sale and storage of fireworks.

Retailers must apply for permission to store fireworks from their local trading standards service or fire authority. If permission to store fireworks is granted, then fireworks can be sold within the following dates:

Today (13^th October) ACS’ Heart of the Community Conference brought together convenience retailers, industry experts and senior policymakers to discuss the latest policy agenda and celebrate local shops’ response to the Covid-19 crisis.

Bestselling author and political academic Professor Matthew Goodwin addressed the conference, providing insight on the current political landscape, the forces shaping British politics and how these policies could impact convenience retailers and their businesses.