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.
15.06.2026
ACS Advice
15.06.2026
ACS Launches Comprehensive DRS Resources Hub for Retailers
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.
18.03.2026
ACS Launches Decline09 Campaign to Simplify Generational Tobacco Ban Changes
The Association of Convenience Stores has launched a new awareness campaign to help retailers, colleagues and consumers with incoming rules on age verification for tobacco products.
The Decline09 campaign, backed by leading retailers and the Chartered Institute for Trading Standards is launching today at ACS’ Safe and Responsible Retailing Conference in Birmingham. It has been developed in consultation with the Department for Health and Social Care.
18.03.2026
ACS Launches Decline09 Campaign to Simplify Generational Tobacco Ban Changes
The Association of Convenience Stores has launched a new awareness campaign to help retailers, colleagues and consumers with incoming rules on age verification for tobacco products.
The Decline09 campaign, backed by leading retailers and the Chartered Institute for Trading Standards is launching today at ACS’ Safe and Responsible Retailing Conference in Birmingham. It has been developed in consultation with the Department for Health and Social Care.
30.05.2025
Tough Enforcement Needed against Rogue Traders as Disposable Vape Ban Comes into Force
The Association of Convenience Stores has called for more resources for Trading Standards officers to be able to enforce against the rogue traders that are blatantly ignoring the law and selling illicit vapes and other products.
The call comes as a UK-wide ban on disposable vapes comes into force on June 1st, with only vapes that are both refillable and rechargeable legal for sale from that date.
07.04.2025
ACS Sets Out Challenges Faced by the Sector, Pledges to Lead Response
ACS (The Association of Convenience Stores) has outlined the challenges faced by the convenience sector this year, pledging to lead the sector’s response to helping retailers navigate and tackle these challenges.
The sector has been facing increases in NIC contributions, higher business rates relief and an increased National Living wage, all announced at the Autumn Budget last year. These costs are making it more difficult for local shops to invest in serving their communities.
06.03.2025
Less than Three Months to Go Until Disposable Vape Ban Comes Into Force
Retail groups and enforcement bodies urge businesses to get ready ahead of June 1st
The Association of Convenience Stores, Chartered Trading Standards Institute and the Local Government Association are calling on retailers who sell vape products to ensure that they will comply with the introduction of a ban on disposable vaping products, coming into force on June 1st 2025.
23.01.2025
ACS Launches Guide for Retailers on ‘Simpler Recycling’ Regulations Coming in March
ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has launched new guidance for retailers in England detailing what they have to do to stay on the right side of the law when new rules on separating waste come into force in March.
From March 31st 2025, businesses (meaning the entire business, not just one store) with more than 10 full time equivalent employees will be required to separate their waste into four different streams. Those with fewer than 10 FTE employees will have until March 2027 to comply.
The four waste streams that will need to be segregated are:
20.01.2025
DEFRA Confirm Further Details of Single Use Vaping Ban
ACS has welcomed new guidance published by the Government ahead of the introduction of a ban on single-use vapes in June.
The guidance, published today by DEFRA (the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) sets out more detail on the definitions of single-use or disposable vapes, the penalties for selling them after the introduction of the ban on June 1st this year, and what to do if you have stock of single use vapes.
