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) 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 (13th 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.
The Government has responded an inquiry by the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee into the impact of Covid-19 on food supply, highlighting the key role that local shops have played in feeding their communities since the beginning of the coronavirus outbreak.
ACS has welcomed additional funding for police forces and local councils to step up Covid-19 enforcement, calling for support for retailers and colleagues facing abuse in stores.
The additional £60m, split between police forces and local councils, is intended to help ensure that people are complying with the Covid-19 restrictions, especially in high risk areas. In addition to extra police on the streets, the funding is intended to provide support to local enforcement officers, stewards and marshals who are helping communities and businesses to follow the guidelines.
The Association of Convenience Stores has welcomed a letter from Welsh Environment Minister Lesley Griffiths, calling on chief constables across to ensure that there is proper support for the 3,000 convenience stores in Wales when dealing with Covid-19 restrictions.
ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) is welcoming the inclusion of additional products to the Healthy Start scheme in England and Wales from October.
Healthy Start is a government initiative which provides pregnant women and parents with young children, who are in receipt of qualifying benefits, Healthy Start vouchers which can be used to purchase certain products in store.
The items currently in the scope of the scheme in England, Wales and Northern Ireland include: fresh and frozen fruit and vegetables, cow’s milk and infant formula suitable for use from birth.
ACS has submitted evidence to the Government’s first consultation on a fundamental review of the business rates system, detailing the how rate reliefs have enabled convenience retailers to invest in their stores and continue to provide essential services in local communities.
