Press Releases

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has welcomed a new consultation from energy regulator Ofgem, setting out a series of proposals to make the non-domestic energy market fairer, and for protections to be available to a wider range of businesses.

The Association of Convenience Stores has welcomed an update from the Competition and Markets Authority on competition in the grocery market, reiterating the financial pressures that convenience retailers are facing with extraordinarily high costs.

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has responded to a consultation from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, calling for better regulation of the energy market and greater protections for small businesses.

In the submission, ACS has highlighted the need for tougher regulation of energy suppliers which will then in turn provide businesses with clarity on their billing, payment options, data transparency, contract terms, and termination.

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has called on the Low Pay Commission to establish a new emergency brake mechanism for wage rates if increases have a negative impact on businesses and the wider labour market.

ACS has welcomed proposals from the Food Standards Agency on modernising food hygiene enforcement activity, highlighting the importance of Assured Advice as a mark of a responsible business.

 The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is consulting on ways to ensure that enforcement resources are focused on the businesses that pose the greatest risk to consumers, as well as updating their processes to give more flexibility for officers to monitor the rating and risk of businesses.

ACS has welcomed the passing of new legislation to ensure a minimum level of free access to cash, ensuring people can continue to conveniently withdraw and deposit cash, following the rapid rate of bank branch and ATM closures.

The Welsh Government has announced plans to introduce restrictions on high fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) products in an effort to tackle obesity in Wales.

Announced today (27^th June) the Welsh Government confirmed plans to introduce restrictions on temporary price reductions of HFSS products, including meal deal type offers and restrictions on where products high in fat, salt or sugar can be displayed.

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has responded to the publication of a report from HM Revenue and Customs on the prevalence of non-duty paid alcohol and illicit tobacco in the UK, calling for tougher enforcement and continued focus on tackling the illicit trade.

According to HM Revenue and Customs, the tobacco tax gap driven by the illicit market in cigarettes and hand-rolling tobacco is estimated to be £2.8 billion in 2021-22. Of this, £2.2 billion was lost in tobacco duties and a further £0.6 billion in VAT.

The body representing UK’s 48,000 convenience stores has called on police forces to introduce a ‘Most Wanted’ list for prolific shop thieves as part of new plans to tackle repeat offending.

The call comes as figures from the Association of Convenience Stores’ annual Crime Report, published today (22^nd June), show that their theft index* has reached new record levels. The record was previously broken last quarter after standing for over 10 years. 

The promotional restrictions on HFSS (high fat, salt, sugar) products that were due to come into force in October this year are set to be delayed until October 2025.

The restrictions on volume promotions in England will affect any convenience store business with more than 50 employees. Promotions affected include: