The ACCC has granted interim authorisation, subject to conditions, allowing 7-Eleven to continue to enter arrangements with its franchisees to either temporarily close or reduce the trading hours of certain stores, either operated by those franchisees, or through its sister entity, Convenience Holdings Pty Limited. The conditions require 7-Eleven to notify the ACCC of the Franchisees it proposes to approach for temporary store closure or a reduction in hours, and the stores (both corporate owned and franchised) which will be closed or have reduced hours.
The arrangements are a continuation of those previously authorised by the ACCC last year in the context of the ongoing difficulties faced by 7-Eleven and its Franchisees due to reduced consumer demand as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This authorisation would have expired on 31 March 2021 and 7-Eleven seeks authorisation for a further 6 months.
As this is an interim decision the ACCC will now consult with interested parties and continue with its assessment process.