Press Releases
Local Shops Herald Tobacco Proxy Sales Breakthrough
ACS has strongly welcomed plans to make it illegal to buy tobacco for a person under the age of 18.
This proposed change in the law is a breakthrough for a long running campaign by ACS to stamp out a loophole that undermines the fight to prevent young people from buying tobacco.
Read MoreMinisters Must Not Grow Complacent over Crime Figures
ACS has responded to the publication of the Crime Survey of England and Wales (CSEW), urging Ministers not to be complacent over the level of crime experienced by shopkeepers.
The survey claims that overall crime levels fell by 10% in the year to September 2013, with a 13% fall in violent crime in the same period.
Speaking on the publication of the results, Crime Prevention Minister Norman Baker said: “"England and Wales are safer than they have been for decades with crime now at its lowest level since the survey began in 1981.”
Read MoreNo More Excuses for One Year Backbilling Limit
ACS has written to Ofgem, calling for all energy suppliers limit their backbills to 12 months.
In December, Ofgem published the results of an investigation into backbilling cases between 2012 and 2013, revealing that over the course of 12 months there had been over 116,000 cases of backbills reported by suppliers.
While Ofgem note that the majority of the bills are small, there is still a small minority which are worth over £20,000 and/or last over five years.
Read MoreLocal Shops Fear Consequences of Minimum Wage Hike
The Association of Convenience Stores has responded to reports that Government intends to impose a dramatic hike in wages warning that this will put growth and investment at risk for thousands of retailers.
Read MoreACS Welcomes Tobacco Proxy Purchasing Amendment to ASB Bill
ACS has welcomed the tabling of an amendment to make proxy purchasing of tobacco products on behalf of a minor against the law.
An amendment to the Government's Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Bill, on the proxy purchase of tobacco products is due to be debated today.
Under current legislation, it is not an offence for a person to buy tobacco products on behalf of a minor.
Read MoreOut of Court Penalties Should be reserved for First Time Offenders
ACS has called for out of court penalties to only be used for first time thieves as part of its response to the Ministry of Justice’s review of out of court penalties.
In its’ submission to the review, ACS highlighted that while out of court penalties are frequently used for theft and other crimes against shops, retailers are not convinced that they are effective in deterring criminals from repeat offending.
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