Welsh government has published a guidance, but with limited information on its policy of prohibiting the sale of non-essential products in stores that can open in the two-week “firebreak” lockdown.
The updated guidance on the closure of businesses and premises has published just hours before the lockdown begins in the region at 6 pm today (23 October).
The guidance states that the products and services which can be sold in stores are any products which would normally be sold in:
- Food and drink retailers (including off licenses)
- Newsagents
- Building supplies and hardware stores
- Pharmacies and chemists
- Bicycle shops
- Petrol stations
- Garages and vehicle hire businesses
- Post offices, banks, building societies and similar
- Pet shops
- Agricultural and aquacultural supplies shops; and
- Livestock markets and auctions
Other products can only be sold through delivery services, whether that is conducted online, by telephone or mail order.
“This is likely to mean some areas of stores should be closed to customer access,” the guidance said.
Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford has said that restrictions will ensure a “level playing field” as many retailers will be forced to close but the products will still be available from food stores, particularly supermarkets, which are allowed to open.
The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) and Welsh Retail Consortium have yesterday written to Drakeford expressing concern over the move, saying the last-minute change in policy approach would place huge additional operational pressure on the retail sector.
Commenting on the latest guidance, James Lowman, ACS chief executive, said: “The Welsh Government has given retailers just a few hours to comply with the regulations and associated guidance, which still put a lot of the responsibility on the retailer to determine whether a product range is non-essential.
“We remain concerned about the justification for these measures and the lack of information given to businesses, but will help retailers to communicate the new rules to customers wherever possible.”
In the letter, the trade groups have also warned about the possibility of abuse and violence on shop staff as a result of the new restrictions.
“This policy will also put our colleagues in the difficult position of having to refuse the sale of certain products in store that could be a flashpoint for violence and abuse, which has spiked during this pandemic,” it read.
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