The Association of Convenience Stores has launched a comprehensive HFSS guide to navigate retailers through the upcoming regulations coming into force this October.
Its new Assured Advice guidance looks at key areas of HFSS law and what it will mean for independent stores, including:
- How to determine if a product is HFSS
- How the regulations will be enforced
- How to work out whether a store will be in scope of the regulations
- What categories of products will be affected
- Which promotions will be restricted
- Where in a store HFSS products can and cannot be displayed and how location restrictions work
It also aims to help convenience retailers understand how areas of websites and online platforms will be affected.
“The introduction of HFSS regulations marks one of the biggest operational changes in the grocery retail sector in living memory, so it is absolutely crucial that retailers know what they will have to do ahead of October,” said ACS CEO James Lowman.
“Our guidance provides important clarity for retailers dealing with the complexity of the regulations, and provides a blueprint for stores to start work now on how they’re going to adapt their businesses in the coming months.
“We are disappointed that DHSC have yet to issue their guidance on the regulations. But with only eight months to go, convenience retailers need clarity to begin making the necessary investments to refit their stores and train their store colleagues.”
Thousands of retailers are set to be included within the regulations, which affect stores over 2,000 sq ft and businesses with over 50 employees. Research carried out by ACS in August 2021 showed that 45% of independent and symbol retailers were not aware of the upcoming regulations.
The new guide is backed by Buckinghamshire & Surrey Trading Standards, which will be available in the lead-up to October to provide additional clarification to ACS members who have questions about the make-up of their stores.
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