The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has welcomed plans by HMRC to introduce compulsory registration of alcohol wholesalers and duty stamps for beer as new measures to help tackle alcohol duty fraud.

James Lowman, ACS chief executive, said duty fraud costs Government and retailers millions of pounds, with up to 14% of the UK beer market lost to the illicit trade each year:  “Alcohol fraud is damaging legitimate retailers and wholesalers throughout the UK," he stressed.

"Action is needed. This is why we support proposals for a beer duty stamp and a registration scheme for wholesalers. We believe that if implemented in the right way these measures will significantly reduce the opportunity for unscrupulous traders. However they will only be successful if they are supported by visible and consistent enforcement action.”