Press Releases
ACS Welcomes Call for Evidence on Cashback in Local Shops
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 (15th 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.
Read MoreACS: Guidance for Local Shops on Fireworks and Seasonal Products
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:
Read MoreACS’ Heart of the Community Conference Celebrates Local Shops’ Response to Covid-19
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.
Read MoreACS: Government Recognises Vital Role of Local Shops in Food Supply
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.
Read MoreRaj Aggarwal Trophy to Be Awarded to Outstanding Community Retailers from 2021
A new trophy marking the legacy of independent retailer Raj Aggarwal is to be awarded to retailers who have been exceptional in community retailing and helping their fellow retailers.
The trophy was presented to Raj’s widow Sunita Aggarwal by Association of Convenience Stores chief executive James Lowman in recognition of Raj’s incredible contribution to his local community and his tireless efforts in sharing ideas and helping other retailers to improve their businesses.
Read MoreACS: Additional £60m for Covid-19 Enforcement Must Support Retailers Facing Abuse
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.
Read MoreLocal Shops Welcome Welsh Minister’s Letter to Police on Covid Enforcement
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.
Read MoreACS Welcomes Progress of Bill to Delay Rates Re-Evaluation to 2023
ACS has welcomed the progress of a Bill in Parliament to postpone the next re-evaluation of business rates.
The Non-Domestic Rating (Lists) (No.2) Bill, if passed, would postpone the date on which the next re-evaluation of business rates in England and Wales takes effect from 2022 to 2023. MPs debated the Bill at Second Reading stage today and was progressed without the need for a vote. The Scottish Government has also committed to delay its 2022 revaluation until 2023.
Read MoreHealthy Start to Include More Products from October
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.
Read MoreACS Welcomes Clarification on Face Coverings for In-Store Colleagues
ACS has welcomed additional details confirmed by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) today on the new requirements for colleagues to wear a face covering.
From today (24th September), face coverings must be worn by colleagues as well as customers in shops. A key exemption for colleagues however is detailed in the below guidance:
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