Convenience retailers across England and Wales will be able to have a new confidence about the way to prevent underage sales, thanks to a new ‘Assured Advice’ guide from ACS.
The ACS (Association of Convenience Stores) ‘Assured Advice’ Guide to Preventing Underage Sales provides an easy to follow product-by-product guide, establishing a simple, common approach to adopting the right company policy, training and effective record keeping.
The Guide is the second part of the ‘Primary Authority’ scheme delivered in partnership with Surrey County Council. The scheme, launched in March, is the first of its kind in the convenience sector and is available to all ACS members.
‘Primary Authority’ is a status recognised by law, meaning that the policies and procedures published cannot be challenged by the police, trading standards or environmental health officers.
ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: “Assured Advice has the potential to revolutionise the way independent retailers manage compliance. It provides the same protection and consistency only previously available to big retail chains”.
“We are delighted to publish guidance on Preventing Underage Sales so early in our new scheme” added Mr Lowman. “We know that members face high risks in this area, and also that they are presented with range of confusing and competing requirements, especially between different local authority areas. ‘Assured Advice’ cuts through all this and provides definitive procedures that once followed cannot be challenged from one area to the next”.
More details on the ACS ‘Assured Advice’ Scheme and how retailers can sign up is available on the Advice section of the website.
