Leading convenience story body Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) is reminding all retailers that there is one week left until the closure of the Alcohol Duty Stamps Scheme, coming into effect on the May 1.
The scheme, introduced in 2006, required manufacturers, importers, and wholesalers to apply for and ensure that duty stamps were attached to retail containers of alcohol and fermented products before they entered the UK market to be sold by retailers.
However, the closure of the scheme now means that alcohol manufacturers, importers and wholesalers no longer need to register, obtain, or apply Alcohol Duty stamps to retail containers previously covered by the scheme.
Below is a summary of what retailers can expect to change from the date of implementation:
- Alcohol manufacturers, importers and wholesalers no longer need to register, obtain, or apply Alcohol Duty stamps to retail containers previously covered by the scheme.
- Producers may continue to supply them in the same way, as the government has not required businesses to obliterate or remove stamps already attached. From this date, however, businesses are free to remove duty stamps without restriction.
- From May 1 2025, both legacy stamped products, and unstamped products may be sold and supplied by retailers – there will no penalties against retail businesses that sell stamped products after this date.
- Businesses should continue to comply with all of their legal obligations, due diligence, and requirements of the Alcohol Wholesaler Registration Scheme.
Additionally, ACS has created a briefing to explain what the scheme is, how to prepare for the closure of the scheme, as well as how to verify the legitimacy of alcohol products.
C-store retailers can access and download ACS’ guidance document on the portal here: https://cdn.acs.org.uk/public/ACS%20Briefing%20-%20Alcohol%20Duty%20Stamp%20Scheme%20Closure.pdf
