Press Releases

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has responded to a consultation on the future application of the nutrient profiling model (NPM), raising concerns about how changes would impact retailers already dealing with HFSS regulations. 

The Association of Convenience Stores has warned the Home Affairs Select Committee that organised gangs are operating in plain sight in communities, stealing from shops on a massive scale and running dodgy shops with illicit products as part of a network of wider serious criminal activity.

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has launched a new resource hub for convenience retailers to help them prepare for the upcoming Deposit Return Scheme. Currently 48% of convenience retailers have no awareness of DRS.

ACS has welcomed a significant victory in the battle against the illicit trade today as the Government announced 12 month closure orders for businesses found to be selling illicit products. 

Existing powers allow premises to be closed for up to six months, but the Government note that businesses can often reopen before investigations have concluded, allowing criminal activity to resume and creating additional burdens for local authorities, police forces and the courts. 

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has welcomed the confirmation of the criteria for which stores can apply for an exemption under the upcoming Deposit Return Scheme, announced today by scheme administrator Exchange for Change.

ACS has responded to the publication of a new consultation on addressing one-sided employment flexibility, highlighting the existing ways that convenience store retailers provide genuine two-sided flexibility and security for their colleagues.

The consultation, which will run until 25th August, seeks views on the implementation of rights that have become law through the Employment Rights Act, specifically:

ACS has responded to the publication of the retail handling fees for the upcoming Deposit Return Scheme in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, warning that thousands of retailers will not be able to cover their costs if they host a reverse vending machine.

After consultation with the industry, DRS scheme administrator Exchange for Change has published the following rates of the retail handling fees:

ACS has responded to speculation around the introduction of a price cap on supermarket goods, calling on the Government to tackle the root causes of food inflation. 

ACS welcomed new Government action to strengthen enforcement against rogue traders and organised crime operating on high streets across the country. 

The Home Office has set out new measures to back responsible retailers, including a £30m package to tackle criminal activity linked to high street businesses.

ACS has welcomed the publication of a number of Bills in the Kings Speech, which would support local shops with issues like, crime, energy contracts, and late payments. 

The State Opening of Parliament sets out the Government’s legislative agenda for the year ahead. Among the 37 Bills published today, the five most relevant to convenience stores are: