BII and ACS Provide Great Deal for Responsible Off Licences

24-Apr-2006

BII, the professional body for the licensed retail sector, in partnership with neighbourhood shops champion, the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS), have renewed their joint membership offer to encourage convenience retailers to join the two organisations.

Preventing the purchase of alcohol by minors is a challenge which convenience stores regularly face and retailers need support to enable them to counteract this threat. BII and ACS are the leading organisations in responsible alcohol retailing and by taking advantage of this joint offer convenience store members can reap the benefits of savings and advice.

John McNamara, BII Chief Executive said, “By joining BII and ACS you will be potentially saving hundreds of pounds. Instant fines for serving underage drinkers are £80 each whilst our joint membership is £160. We are asking convenience store retailers, can you afford not to join us? The professional and business support you will receive is invaluable. Convenience stores are often a valuable asset to their local community, with the benefits of our joint membership deal they can continue to flourish. BII membership enables licensed retailers to benefit from the status which BII enjoys with licensing authorities and the police.”

David Rae, ACS Chief Executive, said, “This is an exceptional offer for off licence retailers and we are delighted to be able to renew this deal. Alcohol is very firmly on ACS’ agenda and with the introduction of the new licensing act it is essential that convenience retailers ensure that they are responsible when selling alcohol. For just £160 retailers who take up this deal can benefit from a strong lobbying voice in Parliament on alcohol issues and advice and support specifically for independent stores.”

New members of the ACS and BII joint membership offer can take advantage of:

Recognised BII professional body status by licensing authorities (the Police, Magistrates and Local Authorities)
An influential lobbying voice in Parliament on the issues that affect off licences most
A choice of legal helplines offering free advice in employment law, and much more
Great benefits and savings for retailers, their family and their staff
Regular updates on the off trade industry, new legislation and events

To find out more or to take advantage of this excellent offer, retailers can log onto www.thelocalshop.com or call BII membership services on 01276 684449.

Notes to Editors:

Case studies of current ACS/ BII members are available on request.
BII is celebrating its 25^th anniversary in 2006. BII is the professional body for the licensed retail sector and has over 17,500 members, and 50 patron and corporate members. In 2005 BII's Awarding Body (BIIAB) processed 190,350 qualifications. BII's mission is to promote high standards of professionalism throughout the licensed retail sector; to encourage new entrants into the industry, and to help them develop their long-term careers. We provide all our members with the information, skills and qualifications to help them succeed in their business activities.
The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) is the trade association, representing more than 32,500 neighbourhood shops across the UK. ACS has sent out more than 30,000 free licensing guides since March this year to help retailers with the licensing transition and is offering ongoing support and advice to retailers who have missed the deadline looking to make a new application.

For further information please contact:

Melanie Taylor

BII Corporate Communications Manager

01276 417863

James Lowman

ACS Public Affairs & Communications Manager

01252 515001 / 07801 831772

Tina Carey

Tansor PR

020 7351 0466

BII and ACS Provide Great Deal for Responsible Off Licences

For further information please contact:

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