CSNA welcomes delegation of retailers from CEDT to Dublin

CSNA is a member of the European Federation of Tobacco Retailers which is an organisation based in Brussels that is funded entirely by retailers from eight countries in the European Union.

In Spain, France, Italy, Austria and Hungary, retailers are licensed to operate a monopoly of sales of tobacco products in a devised area and have varying degrees of restrictions on what they can or cannot offer for sale, how many outlets they can operate (in most cases it is only a single store) and their hours of opening. While all of them sell Lottery products and many sell alcohol, they were all very impressed with the range of offerings that our forecourt/ convenience sector is able to provide to our customers. Belgium is similar to Ireland while the Greek retailers are primarily kiosk-holders with exclusivity on a number of products.

Following a very busy meeting, we took the opportunity to provide guided tours to a number of members’ stores.

Many thanks to CSNA member Thomas Ennis who made himself available for almost an hour answering an array of questions from the delegates in his fabulous Merrion Row shop.

We are also most appreciative to Emma George for offering us the opportunity to visit the stunning shop situated at The Point where once again the delegates were offered every opportunity to seek explanations on layout, design, technical specs, etc. A big “thank you” to Olga who displayed a great level of knowledge of the sector.

We concluded the tour with a visit to the ever busy and impressive Applegreen forecourt on the Naas Road near Rathcoole, where site manager Andrieu was more than willing to provide his insights into a variety of sitespecific questions.

The Irish convenience sector can more than hold its own in any company throughout the world in terms of innovation, standards, marketing and merchandising and was able to prove it once again this month.

Be alert: New scratchcard scam reported in Galway

In compliance with employment legislation, and in order to demonstrate that employees are receiving their proper entitlements, an employer is obliged to maintain certain statutory records. The list below sets out the main records required:

1. Employer registration number with the Revenue Commissioners

2. Full name, address and PPS number for each employee (full-time and part-time)

3. Terms of employment for each employee

4. Payroll details – i.e. gross to net, rate per hour, overtime, deductions, shift and other premiums and allowances, commissions and bonuses, service charges, etc.

5. Copies of payslips

6. Employees’ job classifications

7. Dates of commencement and, where relevant, termination of employment

8. Hours of work for each employee (including starting and finishing times, meal breaks and rest periods). These may be recorded using Form OWT1 or in a

All employers are required by law to maintain detailed employment records form substantially to like effect

9. Register of employees under 18 years of age

10.Whether board and/or lodgings are provided and relevant details

11. Holiday and public holiday entitlements received by each employee

12. Any documentation necessary to demonstrate compliance with employment rights legislation

Additional records may be required to be held depending on the sector/business involved.

We have been made aware by a member in the Galway area of a recent scratchcard scam. A man enters the store and begins to confuse staff by filling the counter with multiple products that he has no intention of buying and then asks for 10 x €10 scratchcards, and next asks the staff for a bag. When the staff place the scratchcards on the counter or in the bag, he then asks the staff for a product behind the till and once the staff member turns their back, he grabs the scratchcards and runs out the door. Sometimes he may have someone else with him.

We would encourage you to ensure that all your staff members are aware of this scam.

If this happens in your store, contact the National Lottery immediately as the Lottery can freeze the scratchcards before the winning scratchcards can be cashed. ■