ACS urges retailers to prepare for introduction of polymer £50 note

By Liz Wells in Industry News 16th June 2021

The Association of Convenience Stores is urging retailers to ensure that they are prepared for the introduction of the new polymer £50, which will be introduced in one week, and are aware of its security features.

The new polymer £50 note, which will be issued on 23 June 2021, has advanced security features, including:

Hologram – the word changes between ‘Fifty’ and ‘Pounds’ when the note is tilted.
See-through window – look at the metallic image over the main window and check that the foil is gold and green on the front of the note and silver on the back.
Ultra-violent number – under ultraviolet light, the number ‘50’ appears in bright red and green, against a duller background.

The withdrawal date of the paper £50 note will be announced once the new polymer £50 note has been issued.

ACS chief executive, James Lowman, said: “We are encouraging retailers to familiarise themselves and their colleagues with the new security features of the polymer £50 note ahead of its issue next week.

“Retailers should also seek to contact the manufacturer or supplier of their cash handling machines to discuss what adaptations will be required for issuance of the new £50 note.”