The Victorian Government is implementing a single-use plastic ban across Victoria on February 1. Single-use plastic drinking straws and stirrers, single-use plastic cutlery, single-use plastic plates, single-use plastic cotton buds and food service items and drink containers made from expanded polystyrene will be banned. The National Retail Association were engaged to undertake a comprehensive engagement program with Victorian retail and hospitality businesses, suppliers and manufacturers from October last year. National Retail Association policy manager Ebony Johnson said that Victorian businesses had responded positively during their engagement program which included visiting over 3000 businesses across the state. “We’ve engaged over 15,000 retailers, suppliers, peak bodies and other stakeholders in the past few months, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive.” For those still transitioning, Ms Johnson encouraged businesses to act now and access the free support services available. “Firstly, I recommend businesses visit the Victorian Government website to download free resources and…

Transactions would likely be structured as sale-leaseback deals. BLACKBURN, United Kingdom — EG Group may be exploring a sale of its retail arm in the United States. The U.K.-based company has reportedly hired investment bankers to market several parcels of U.S. assets, with real estate investment bank Eastdil leading the process. Sources say that transactions would most likely be structured as sale-leaseback deals, reported Sky News. “Management is committed to reducing total net leverage through debt reduction and free cash flow generation, with the Group actively exploring deleveraging options,” EG Group stated in its most recent quarterly update to bondholders. No firm decisions about specific transactions have yet been made, an unnamed source close to the company told the news outlet. EG Group’s board of directors could also choose to reduce discretionary capital expenditure as an alternative to, or in addition to, asset sales as a way of effectively managing the company’s liquidity,…

7-Eleven and Circle K are named in a recent YouGov poll. NATIONAL REPORT — Convenience store chains 7-Eleven Inc. and Circle K are being spotlighted among the 10 most popular grocers in America. A recent poll from market research and data analytics firm YouGov in the fourth quarter of 2022 surveyed consumers who have a positive opinion of a grocery store. Irving, Texas-based 7-Eleven, which operates, franchises and/or licenses more than 77,000 stores in 15 countries and regions, received a popularity score of 60 percent. Circle K, a convenience store banner of Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc., received a popularity score of 51 percent. Taking the top spot for most popular grocer is Aldi, with a 65 percent popularity rating. Rounding out the top 10 are Trader Joe’s (63 percent), Kroger (61 percent), Whole Foods Market (57 percent), Safeway (49 percent), Winn-Dixie (44 percent), Albertsons (44 percent) and Publix (44 Percent). YouGov also asked polled consumers…

The rental car company’s Hertz Electrifies program will start in Denver. WASHINGTON—Hertz has launched  Hertz Electrifies, an electrification initiative that partners with U.S. cities to bring in EV fleets, build charging infrastructure, create educational and training opportunities for jobs and bring EVs and charging to underserved communities. “Electric vehicles are poised to transform the future of mobility,” said Hertz CEO Stephen Scherr. “That’s why Hertz is investing in the largest electric vehicle rental fleet in North America and bringing a new driving experience to leisure and business customers, as well as rideshare drivers. I can think of no better partner in Hertz’s shift towards electrification than America’s cities, where innovation is happening.” The initiative will launch in Denver, Colorado. Hertz is planning to have 5,200 rental EVs available to customers in Denver, including rideshare drivers, and increase charging capacity at Denver International Airport and at Hertz locations. Also, in partnership…

In an industry first, Ampol has partnered with Australian commercial electric vehicle manufacturer SEA Electric to support the transition of companies to zero-emissions commercial electric vehicle technology. Through the partnership, SEA Electric and Ampol will be working together to develop flexible, sustainable and seamless charging options to support the uptake of lower emissions commercial vehicles in key parts of the transport sector. The partnership will also focus on building an integrated charging solution for SEA Electric customers on the road at Ampol forecourts, at destinations and solutions at the workplace. James Myatt, Ampol’s General Manager, Energy, said Ampol will work with SEA Electric and leverage its knowledge and strong relationships across industries to help support commercial vehicle owners’ decarbonisation goals. “Ampol is evolving to provide a range of fast and reliable charging solutions. We know our business customers are looking for lower emissions solutions and want to ensure their investment…

myPolice on Jan 20, 2023 @ 9:31am A 29-year-old New Zealand woman has been charged after the execution of two search warrants in Innisfail uncovered more than 150kg of illicit tobacco and cigarettes on Wednesday (January 18). The search warrants were executed after multiple reports from the community. Police allegedly uncovered more than 87kg of cigarettes in fake packaging (65,600 individual cigarettes), illegally imported vape products and a quantity of cash in an Owen Street motel room. Police will also allege around 70kg of loose tobacco and cigarettes in fake cartons and non-compliant packaging were located at a shop on Ernest Street. The woman has been charged with one count each of possession of tobacco (100 kgs or above), offence to buy or possess S4 or S8 medicines or hazardous poisons, selling or supplying tobacco products in non-compliant retail packaging and possess tainted property. She is due to appear before Innisfail Magistrates…