The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has urged the Scottish government to “adopt a consistent approach” to rules on products high in fat, salt or sugar (HFSS) to align with other areas of the UK.
Following an Impact Assessment from the Scottish government on restrictions to the placement and promotions on HFSS products, ACS has said that the proposals could have a significant impact on retailers at stores in Scotland and other UK areas.
Current proposals on the location of HFSS products in stores would see these items restricted from checkout areas, gondola ends, store entrances and covered outside sections connected to main shopping areas, as well as island/ bin displays.
Promotional restrictions, if rolled out under these proposals include ‘X for Y’ promotions such as buy one get one free, extra free, three for two and ‘X for £Y’ such as three for £2.
Other restrictions include temporary price reductions such as 10% off for a limited period, meal deals and unlimited refills for a fixed charge.
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Across England, the first of the regulations rolled out on 1 October in an attempt to limit obesity levels.
These restrictions saw HFSS products banned from aisle ends, checkouts and store entrances and are set to be followed by further implementations on promotions next October, as well as restrictions to TV advertising in January 2024.
“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,” ACS chief executive, James Lowman said.
“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.”
Lowman added: “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.”
