Food retailers allowed night time deliveries in coronavirus response

The government on Monday said it will temporarily relax the enforcement of restrictions on night time deliveries to food retailers to support industry’s response to the coronavirus.

The measure would help retailers to increase the frequency of deliveries to their stores and replenish their shelves quickly, the government said in a statement.

Supermarkets have started imposing limits on the purchase of certain goods after shelves were emptied because of coronavirus fears.

“We have listened to our leading supermarkets and representatives from across the industry, and we are taking action to support their preparations,” said Environment Secretary George Eustice.

Last week, the industry has asked for a relaxation of curfews to respond to the increased consumer demand for some products such as hygiene products and a limited number of long life items. Deliveries to the stores are currently prohibited overnight to avoid disturbance to residents.

The government said it will work with local authorities to implement the measure.

Eustice added that retailers have “well-established contingency plans in place” to meet the consumer demand.

Andrew Opie, director of food and sustainability at the British Retail Consortium, has also confirmed that the stock levels are good.

“The challenge for retailers has been to make sure all of it reaches shelves at the earliest opportunity. It is essential that government continues to engage on other ways to alleviate the challenges for retailers,” he said.

Sales have more than tripled in recent weeks in Britain, which as of Monday had 319 confirmed cases of the virus, including five deaths.

Liquid soap sales increased by seven percent and household cleaning products by 10 percent in the four weeks to February 23 compared with the same period a year earlier, retail research company Kantar said.