Press Releases

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has called for a cautious approach to the setting of future National Living Wage (NLW) rates in a submission to the Low Pay Commission.

In the submission, ACS has urged the Low Pay Commission to recognise the unique challenges faced by businesses, including local shops, as a result of the cost of living crisis and increased operating costs.

In April 2023, the National Living Wage increased by 9.7% from £9.50 per hour to £10.42, in line with the Government’s target to reach two-thirds of median earnings by 2024.

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has welcomed an announcement from the Government on plans to introduce a range of measures to tackle underage vaping.

Announced today (30th May), the measures include:

The Government has published guidance to help businesses prepare for the ban on single-use plastics which is due to come into force in October.

From 1^st October 2023, retailers will not be able supply, sell or offer the following single-use plastic items:

• Plates
• Trays
• Bowls
• Cutlery
• Balloon sticks
• Certain types of polystyrene cups and food containers

Retailers are advised to sell through existing stock before October, source alternative single-use materials and consider offering more reusable items.

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has responded to a HM Revenue and Customs consultation on tougher sanctions to tackle illicit tobacco, welcoming measures that could reduce the impact of the illicit trade on both retailers and consumers.

HMRC is considering the introduction of fines for up to £10,000 for persistent offenders selling large quantities of illicit tobacco, and the six-month removal of track and trace codes (economic operator ID) for severe cases of non-compliance.

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has welcomed a new plan launched by the Welsh Government and Wales Retail Forum, which has been developed to build a more resilient retail sector in Wales.

Published today (19^th May) the Together for Retail: a Wales Retail Forum Action Plan highlights a number of key actions, including:

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has updated its comprehensive DRS guide for Scotland to reflect the delay to the scheme. The Scottish Deposit Return Scheme was due to go live this year on 16th August but has now been delayed until 1st March 2024.

Today (18th April) Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf MSP announced that there will be a delay to the introduction of a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), as part of a speech on his priorities for government over the next three years.

The Scottish Deposit Return Scheme was due to go live on 16th August but will now be delayed until 1st March 2024. England, Wales and Northern Ireland have also announced plans for a Deposit Return Scheme, coming into force in 2025. 

Today (11th April) the Health Minister Neil O’Brien has announced plans to introduce a new scheme encouraging smokers to swap cigarettes for vapes, as part of a series of measures to help the Government meet its smokefree 2030 target.

Key measures announced include:

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has responded to a consultation launched by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) seeking feedback on legislation to further restrict advertising of high fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) products, highlighting concerns that lo

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has responded to Ofgem’s review of the non-domestic gas and electricity market, calling for better regulation to provide small businesses with clarity and support with their energy contracts.

In the submission, ACS has highlighted the need for stronger regulations on energy suppliers, to provide businesses with clear and transparent information on: billing, payment options, data transparency, contract terms, and termination.