James Lowman news, comment and analysis – Page 30
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News
Wine to break pound barrier
The Chancellor’s announcement of an additional 4p duty on a bottle of wine in Wednesday’s Budget report will have a direct effect on the consumer’s pocket and will break the current price points on wine, according to key industry figures.With...
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Suppliers attackgum clean-up levy
Retailers and suppliers have slammed proposals to introduce a levy on gum to fund clean-up costs, claiming they are impractical and unfair.A campaign launched by Westminster Council and backed by councils in Cardiff, Edinburgh and Belfast is...
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Licensing chaos breaks out
There was a chaotic start to the new alcohol-licensing regime this week, with a warning from a senior local government figure that the off-trade is “seriously unprepared” to cope.With reports of councils wildly misinterpreting the new...
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Independents to shun licensing extensions
Leading independent retailers have no plans to extend their licensing hours when 24-hour drinking comes into force later this year, an exclusive new survey by The Grocer reveals.And one leading chain has even vowed to remove alcohol from...
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Licensed to bewilder
The shake up to licensing is becoming a joke says Elaine WatsonTo say that the government’s new licensing legislation has not been handled well to date is an understatement, says Association of Convenience Stores public affairs and...
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ACS seeks market probe
The Association of Convenience Stores has launched a massive campaign aimed at pushing the OFT into conducting an inquiry into the state of the UK grocery market.With legal support from Friends of the Earth and backing from farmers’ pressure...
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ACS requests study of UK grocery market
The Association of Convenience Stores has launched a massive campaign aimed at pushing the OFT into conducting an inquiry into the state of the UK grocery market.With legal support from Friends of the Earth and backing from farmers’ pressure...
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No, the OFT just can’t see it
Elaine WatsonA new report into Sainsbury’s acquisition of Jacksons from the OFT betrays the regulator’s “astonishing lack of understanding” of the food retail market, independent retailers have claimed.The eight-page report, which explains...
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PO must offer ‘better terms’
The Association of Convenience Stores has renewed calls for the Post Office to improve franchise terms for independent retailers after reports that many Crown post offices could close.The Post Office has denied speculation it could close...
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‘A failure to understand what’s going on’ – FWD
Sainsbury’s acquisition of the Jacksons c-store chain has been cleared by the OFT, despite strong opposition from the independent sector.Delegations from the Association of Convenience Stores and the Federation of Wholesale Distributors met OFT...
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Retailers condemn spot fines
Retailers have slammed plans to fine retailers or their assistants who sell alcohol to under-18s.The Home Office is planning to introduce on-the-spot fines for minors attempting to buy alcohol – but will also extend the scheme to retailers and...
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Is this the last post?
They have their supporters, but Elaine Watson wonders if the business case for retailer post offices has become unconvincingIf taking on a post office was once a surefire way of earning extra revenue and driving footfall for...
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Shoplifting fixed fine
Police will be able to issue fixed penalty notices to shoplifters under new government proposals to cut the red tape associated with tackling theft.Currently, convicted shoplifters face a custodial sentence or a fine, while retailers can also...
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Underhand tactics?
Test purchasing is part of a strategy to tackle underage drinking, but one retailer says it is just a witch-hunt. John Wood reportsIt is every conscientious retailer’s worst nightmare. A member of staff is just catching her breath...
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EU border plan threat to UK off-licences
The Treasury has warned that EU plans to relax border controls on alcohol sales would drive every off-licence in Britain out of business.Under the proposals, EU citizens could buy unlimited quantities across EU member state borders or online,...
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Squeezed to the limits
Wage bills are spiralling out of control while retailers struggle to maintain pay differentials in the face of the minimum wage. Liz Hamson reportsJohn Bains used to believe that hard work and success went hand in hand. As a director...
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A case for intervention
The health debate rages on. But amid the constant exhortations to eat our greens the influence of one important retail sector seems to have been ignored. Siân Harrington reports In the war of words over the...
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Stores welcome licensing reform plans
Retailers have welcomed plans to reform the Scottish licensing regime, particularly proposals for a mandatory national proof-of-age scheme.The proposals have been put forward by the Nicholson committee, which was appointed by the Scottish...
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Tax parity in sight
Plans to increase tobacco duty on the continent are a “ray of light” in the war against illegal imports waged by tobacco wholesalers and retailers.The German government is planning a E1 tax increase on a packet of 20 cigarettes. The rise is...
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The British Independent Grocers Association lost more than a
This week, in his first interview since becoming ACS chairman, Angus Oughtred acknowledges the disquiet among the independents over the influence of the multiples, but insists both groups face exactly the same threats: growing levels of retail...