Skip to content
Search
AI Powered
Human content, AI powered search.
Latest Stories

ACS urges consistent UK approach for HFSS rules

ACS urges consistent UK approach for HFSS rules
iStock image
Getty Images/iStockphoto
Pooja Shrivastava
By Pooja ShrivastavaNov 11, 2022
Pooja Shrivastava
See Full Bio

The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has raised concerns about the introduction of different HFSS rules in Scotland and the impact that they will have on retailers.

In response to an Impact Assessment from the Scottish Government on the details of proposals to restrict the siting and promotion of HFSS products, ACS has highlighted the significant impact that the proposals will have on retailers – especially those that have stores in both Scotland and other areas of the UK.

The Scottish Government has set out a range of options for the number of categories of product that would be included within the restrictions, as well as the restrictions themselves which fall into two main categories – location restrictions and promotional restrictions.

The Scottish Government’s proposals include restricting the placement of HFSS products in the following areas:

  1. checkout areas, including self service
  2. end of aisles
  3. front of store, including store entrances and covered outside areas connected to the main shopping area
  4. island/ bin displays

The proposals include restricting the following types of promotion for HFSS products in store:

  1. ‘X for Y’ promotions, such as buy one get one free, extra free and 3 for 2 offers
  2. ‘X for £Y’ promotions such as 3 for £2
  3. Temporary price reductions, such as 10% off for a limited period
  4. Meal deals
  5. Unlimited refills for a fixed charge

ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “The experience of retailers in implementing HFSS rules in England has been costly and confusing, with more uncertainty ahead with the introduction of promotional restrictions still scheduled from October 2023. We are extremely concerned about the proposed approach in Scotland, which differs in a number of significant ways and goes further to restrict the promotion and siting of HFSS products. For all included stores in Scotland, but especially for retailers that have stores in both England and Scotland, planning will be extremely difficult and compliance will be expensive.

“We urge the Scottish Government to adopt a consistent approach with the regulations that are already in place to provide a level of certainty for retailers.”

ACS’ full response to the Impact Assessment is available here: https://www.acs.org.uk/lobbying/submissions

acsassociation of convenience storeshfss banhfss restrictions

Related News

Assaulted Cambridgeshire retailer calls for shake-up in securing shop workers
Industry News

Assaulted Cambridgeshire retailer calls for shake-up in securing shop workers

More for you

Premier Foods report volume-led revenue growth, market share gain

Premier Foods report volume-led revenue growth, market share gain

Premier Foods reported robust sales of its host of well-known brands during the Christmas period and is now forecasting that its annual profit will come in at the upper end of analysts’ expectations.

During its third quarter to 28 December, the group saw its total sales grow by 3.1 per cent, driven by branded sales that increased by 4.6 per cent. After recent investments in innovation and promotional pricing, its performance was driven by volume growth, which was 7 per cent for its branded lines.

Keep ReadingShow less
Pork Farms Mini Pork Pies

Pork Farms Mini Pork Pies

The Compleat Food Group cuts over 100 tonnes of plastic a year with trayless pork pie packs

The Compleat Food Group, one of the UK’s leading food manufacturers, has achieved a significant milestone in its sustainability journey by removing plastic trays from its pork pie packaging.

The initiative, which spans both branded and own-label products, is set to reduce plastic use by 110 tonnes annually. The group produces an estimated 200 million pork pies annually under its own label and through its portfolio of brands, which include Pork Farms, Wall’s Pastry, and Wrights.

Keep ReadingShow less
Business rate bill to surge by 'over 140 per cent'
Hollie Adams/Getty Images
Getty Images

Business rate bill to surge by 'over 140 per cent'

Businesses are facing a sharp rise of "140 per cent" in property costs due to the government's decision to cut relief for the retail, hospitality and leisure sector from 75 per cent to 40 per cent, property consultancy Colliers has warned.

The government’s decision to reduce business rates relief from 75 per cent to 40 per cent will see thousands of shops, restaurants, pubs, gyms, and nightclubs grappling with bills surging by over 140 per cent from the beginning of April.

Keep ReadingShow less
Edmonton city council debates bylaw to ban sale of knives in convenience stores

iStock image

Edmonton city council debates bylaw to ban sale of knives in convenience stores

Edmonton city council is discussing what it would take to ban knives from being sold in convenience stores, state recent reports.

A key issue during the community and public services committee held on Monday (20) was wading through the potential legal ramifications of defining what a knife is and whether some businesses owners may try to find loopholes to be able to sell knives.

Keep ReadingShow less
Things to know about new Simpler Recycling reforms

iStock image

Things to know about new Simpler Recycling reforms

With just 70 days left to go until the government’s new Simpler Recycling reforms are implemented, most businesses are not prepared for the changes in the rule, claims a leading business waste management service.

Although the UK's overall recycling rate has seen a significant rise, reaching 44 per cent in 2015 compared to just 17 per cent in 2008, progress has plateaued in recent years, with indications that the rate may now be declining.

Keep ReadingShow less