AACS: SMALL WIN FOR SMALL BUSINESS

MEDIA RELEASE
30 March 2016
The Australasian Association of Convenience Stores (AACS) welcomes the recommendations from the select committee on red tape calling for convenience stores to have the right to sell packaged alcohol.
AACS Chief Executive Officer Jeff Rogut congratulated the Senate Select Committee on red tape in the alcohol sector for taking a common-sense approach to this issue and recognising the competitive imbalance that exists in this market.
“We have repeatedly emphasised the economic case for deregulation in this sector to level the playing field and unlock new revenue and employment opportunities for small businesses,” Mr Rogut said.
“These recommendations recognise the current disparity and we thank the committee members for their support. We now hope Government takes these recommendations on board.
“Convenience stores around the world are able to participate in the packaged alcohol market. Australia is one of the few countries where this is illegal. Hopefully common-sense will prevail and create an opportunity to help small business and improve competition for consumers.
“Too often alarmist rhetoric and emotional arguments from the health lobby override the sensible business case when it comes to this issue. But packaged alcohol is already widely available and our industry operators are proven responsible retailers.”
Mr Rogut says convenience stores are not seeking to be able to sell packaged alcohol around the clock and will comply with all relevant trading hour and staff training requirements.
“All we are seeking is the right to compete,” said Mr Rogut.
The AACS has fought for many years to secure the right for convenience stores to stock alcohol and bring our industry in line with the rest of the world. Convenience stores are proven responsible retailers and are willing to operate within an agreed framework in terms of trading hour restrictions, staff training and other compliance requirements.
The AACS has also called on the many beer and wine suppliers squeezed out of the major chain outlets due to their focus on home brands, to work with the convenience industry to increase the pressure on Government and promote a more level playing field. 
For further information, please contact: 
Jeff Rogut
Chief Executive Officer
Australasian Association of Convenience Stores
Ph: 0467 873 789
Stephen Naylor
Wise McBaron Communication
Ph: (02) 9279 4770