The Liquor Stores Association NSW & ACT (LSA) has now provided its members with key communication materials, ahead of the NSW Government’s Container Deposit Scheme, which starts from 1 December.
The materials will help retailers communicate to consumers what the cost of the scheme will be and the price increases that will occur as a result.
LSA Executive Director Michael Waters said: “For retailers to recover the full cost impact of the scheme, the price of drinks sold in bottles, cans and PET will increase by at least $3.50 per carton (24) initially from 1 November 2017, as announced by the Scheme Coordinator on 18 August 2017, in order to build a float for redemptions to commence from 1 December 2017.
Wine and spirit glass containers as well as wine casks and sachets, are unaffected by the scheme.
“Any price increase will ultimately be up to individual retailers and will depend on their cost pressures and competitive situation however the true cost of running the government scheme covers the 10c refund per eligible container, plus handling and administration fees.
“The fact of the matter is, this scheme has been rushed through – we’ve been urging the NSW Government to get a public education campaign up and running, but they clearly don’t want the community to know what the real cost impact on the average consumers’ hip pocket will be.”
To fulfil its communication commitment to members, the LSA had recently negotiated a commitment by the Scheme Coordinator that a Retailer FAQ Fact Sheet and a Point-Of-Sale Flyer (for members to give to customers) would be developed and officially launched at LSA’s annual The Panel industry event on 27 September 2017.
However less than 24 hours prior to the event, the LSA was advised by the Scheme Coordinator that the Minister’s office had kyboshed the launch.
“Unfortunately, NSW retailers are at the coalface and will be the ones copping the backlash from customers over this very complex and poorly communicated piece of legislation,” Waters added.
“As the ACT, QLD and VIC do not yet have a deposit scheme it will also be confusing for consumers and problematic for retailers and the government to manage, particularly around these border communities.
“The materials launched today, which include a poster for retailer members to erect in-store, will be housed on a dedicated page on our website, alongside information we have been communicating to members about the scheme since early February 2017, and we hope this helps to better inform our members’ customers about the real cost impact, and foster ongoing conversation,” said Waters.