End of credit and debit card fees

From 13 January 2018 it became illegal for businesses to charge any fees for credit or debit card payments.

As this law is an EU directive, all companies across the EU are also banned from charging customers these extra fees.

The law also applies to government services, including HMRC and the DVLA.

Any business caught charging customers for card payments will be ordered to repay the fees and could face a hefty fine.

Businesses are permitted to charge for cashback, and ATMs are outside the scope of the rules.

Retailers can continue to impose a minimum spend for card payments if they wish – this is typically £5 or £10.

Best practice for contactless transactions

Best practice advice regarding contactless transactions, which can be downloaded below, contains a recommendation that any customer attempting to make multiple contactless transactions be asked to pay by chip and pin.

Don’t forget that a new zero floor limit with Visa is in effect. Visa introduced the zero floor limit to help protect cardholders against the risk of fraud. It means that every card transaction has to be authorised online by the card issuer.

The food hygiene rating or inspection result given to a business reflects the standards of food hygiene found on the date of inspection or visit by the local authority. To help members comply with food hygiene law, the NFRN has produced a briefing note which can be downloaded below. A chilled food recording form is also available, as well as several checklists to make the management of your food stock easier.

NFRN Business Property Advantage offer a 30 minute helpline with a qualified Chartered Quantity Surveyor with additional support and guidance in all matters relating to property such as lease expiries, lease renewals, rent reviews, dilapidations and acquisition services.

Failure to display the appropriate poster could result in a fine of up to £5,000. To receive a No ID No Sale pack, please contact NFRN Connect on 0800 121 6376 or email contactus@nfrn.org.uk and they’ll be happy to post one out to you.

Licensing Matters are the perfect partner for off-licence retailers.  They offer a free 30 minute advice service per case, can support retailers with any licence related matter and will represent retailers at hearings should the need arise.

Licensing Matters works closely with NFRN Legal and early contact with both on the inception of an issue is important.

Exclusive NFRN prices for additional work thereafter.

Download the flyer below to find out how retailers who sell alcohol and other age restricted products can get the protection and support they need.

The current National Minimum Wage and Living Wage hourly rates are as follows:

Age Range	Hourly Rate from 1 April 2021
Aged 25+	£8.91
Aged 21-24	£8.36
Aged 18-20	£6.56
Under 18	£4.62
Apprentice*	£4.30

*Apprentices are entitled to the apprentice rate if they’re either aged under 19 or 19+ and in the first year of their apprenticeship.

As an employer, you need to make sure you’re paying your staff correctly, as the government has committed to stronger enforcement across the UK.

It is a criminal offence not to pay someone the National Living Wage or National Minimum Wage, and an employer caught not paying the correct amount risk being fined and may be named by the government.

To find out more or to check if you’re paying your staff the correct amount, visit
www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage/employers-and-the-minimum-wage

Below you will find best practices for payment account security from the PCI Security Standards Council. 

Download Strong Password Best Practices

Download Remote Access Best Practices

Download Patching Best Practices

What you need to know about keeping the portable electrical appliances found within your business safe and properly maintained.

New EU laws on how tobacco products are manufactured, produced and sold have come into force.

Known as the Tobacco Products Directive, the new legislation sees a range of tobacco products banned from sale, including packs of 10s, 19s, 18 1/2s, flavoured cigarettes (except menthol) and non-standard style packaging. New regulations covering e-cigarettes will also be included.

Although the law came into force from May 2016, there was a transitional period until May 2017 to allow retailers to sell through old products. Retailers who continue to sell these prohibited items after May 2017 will face fines or criminal prosecution.

As part of the Tobacco Products Directive, retailers will have to apply for unique codes in order to store and sell tobacco products under new track and trace laws that will come into force from 20 May 2019.

For more information on illegal tobacco Click Here

The factsheet will tell you:

• What type of work counts for Universal Credit
• How your Universal Credit payment is worked out
• How to claim

Every retailer is aware of the dangers of retail crime and wants to do all they can to prevent it. Adopting basic but key principles can make it easier for you and your staff to stay safe.

Guidance from the NBCC

Download Violence Against Staff in the Retail Sector Sheet

NFRN Factsheets

 

Crime Prevention Information from RAC

You can read more about Retail Crime here