Independent Spar business owner Lawrence Hunt & Co. has decided to temporarily close all its north-west stores from 10pm in line with the hospitality curfew announced by the UK Government.

Managing Director Kevin Hunt confirmed that 12 of the 26 stores in Lancashire and Merseyside which normally shut at 10.30pm will now comply with these adjusted times.

The change comes after the retailer posted on Twitter saying: “Some stores were already experiencing problems with customers later in the evening and we don’t want to expose store colleagues to any unnecessary risks.”

As of yesterday, (Thursday, 24th September) tighter rules and restrictions were introduced across the nation in a bid to prevent further spread of coronavirus.

Pubs, bars and restaurants must all close at 10pm while those working in the retail industry must now wear facemasks when working.