Press Releases

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) 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 (15^th 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.

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 (13^th 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.

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. 

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 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.