News

ACS has called on the Government to secure the future of the UK’s convenience stores, warning of store closures from April if current support is not extended.

Ahead of the Fiscal Statement on November 17^th, ACS has written to the Chancellor calling for support in three crucial areas that will affect how convenience stores can continue to trade and invest in 2023:

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has briefed MPs ahead of a ten minute rule motion on tobacco licensing led by Bob Blackman MP.

In its briefing, ACS has encouraged MPs to consider how more resources can be directed to Trading Standards to help them tackle the illicit tobacco trade.

Research conducted by ACS of enforcement officers in Trading Standards across the UK has shown that 61% don’t believe they have the resources to tackle the illicit tobacco and vaping market.

I keep hearing about the link between the cost of living crisis and shop theft and I wrote about this before back in May. We’ve been approached by the media to comment on this apparent link, and it’s something we’re discussing with members as we hear their feedback on trading conditions. I haven’t changed my view, but we’ve got some more information on this that I wanted to share and discuss.

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) is inviting retailers to attend the next Responsible Retailing Expert Group meeting to explore the latest insights on regulatory compliance and responsible retailing.

The Responsible Retailing Expert Group brings together a network of convenience retailers and policy experts to understand the latest developments on upcoming regulations and what they mean in terms of running a convenience store.

The Association of Convenience Stores has warned that store closures are inevitable if local shops do not receive support on energy bills beyond March 2023.

In a letter to the Business Secretary, ACS has called for an extension of the Energy Bill Relief Scheme until at least April 2024 for convenience stores across the UK, giving retailers the certainty they need to be able to keep trading and serving their communities.

ACS has strongly welcomed new guidance published by the Scottish Government which takes an important step toward the introduction of a workable and cost effective Deposit Return Scheme in Scotland.

The new guidance, published today (November 4^th) makes the process of applying for an exemption from the regulations much less complex. While this does not change the eligibility criteria for an exemption itself, it does provide the following important features:

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has urged the government to provide Trading Standards with the resources it needs to tackle the multi billion pound illicit trade in tobacco and vaping, ahead of a debate on the UK’s 2030 smokefree targets.

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) is inviting retailers to attend the next Responsible Retailing Expert Group meeting to explore the latest insights on regulatory compliance and responsible retailing.

The Responsible Retailing Expert Group brings together a network of convenience retailers and policy experts to understand the latest developments on upcoming regulations and what they mean in terms of running a convenience store.

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has announced the shortlist for the 2022 Innovation Showcase, taking place on 9th November in Manchester.

The Innovation Showcase is the unique chance for retailers and suppliers to come together to explore the latest products and services set to transform the sector.

This event provides an opportunity for suppliers to showcase a product or service that has been launched in 2022 or will be launching in the future and shows clear innovation in the retail industry.

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) is reminding convenience retailers to ensure that they understand the rules and guidelines which apply to the storage and sale 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: