The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has called the government’s new energy support package for businesses “inadequate, poorly targeted and ultimately pointless”. Late yesterday, the government announced plans for business energy support beyond the current scheme’s expiration in April. A new Energy Bills Discount Scheme (EBDS) will run for 12 months, for eligible businesses in Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The government said that the…

The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) is encouraging retailers to get involved with safety initiatives to support colleagues and customers in the winter months.  ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “In many cases, convenience stores may be the only business operating when it’s dark and the surrounding areas may be quieter, leading customers to feel vulnerable.” He continued: “We are encouraging retailers…

The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has raised concerns over store closures if local shops do not receive long-term financial support amid rising energy costs. While convenience stores will receive financial aid for six months under the Energy Bill Relief Scheme, the ACS has urged the government to extend the scheme until “at least April 2024” to reduce the likelihood of store closures.  The…

The Association of Convenience Stores has “strongly welcomed” new guidance that will make the process of applying for an exemption to regulations around Scotland’s Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) easier. The ACS said the guidance “takes an important step toward the introduction of a workable and cost effective” DRS in Scotland. According to the ACS, the new guidance does not change the eligibility criteria for an…

New prime minister Liz Truss has announced a support plan to help households and businesses cope with spiralling energy costs. Truss said the Energy Price Guarantee will see a £2,500 annual price cap for two years, from October 1, for consumers and a new six-month scheme for businesses, which will provide equivalent support to that being offered to consumers. This support scheme for businesses will…

Glass bottles will not be included in the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) for England and Northern Ireland, the government has said. As part of DEFRA’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Packaging consultation summary, the department said some responses raised concerns over glass, in particular the way glass is collected in reverse vending machines, “possibly being crushed and mixed, ultimately resulting in poorer quality glass than…

As the cost of living continues to rise, headlines for chancellor Rishi Sunak’s 2022 Spring Statement will likely centre around the 5p per litre reduction in fuel duty. And while that will ease some supply chain pressures, there are other gains and losses for drinks retailers and suppliers. The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) called Sunak’s statement a “temperate package of support measures to help…