‘HOW WILL ORDER BE KEPT AT SUPERMARKETS?’
As part of the nationwide lockdown Boris Johnson has ordered all retailers selling non-essential goods to shut up shop. However, the publication of a comprehensive list of which stores can remain open for business has failed to dispel the confusion.
While the Government has urged the public to go to the supermarket only when necessary, the advice remains ambiguous and there is no defined limit on the number of visits that people can pay to their local store.
Without such guidance, it is unclear how this advice is supposed to be enforced by either supermarkets or the relevant authorities.
Q
The guidance says shopping should only be for “basic necessities” and should be as infrequent as possible. How often is this?
A
Ultimately this is a judgment call for individual households. Officials at the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs have pointed out that the requirements of a large family will be different to a couple with no children. However, it is hoped the guidance will encourage people to plan for the week rather than picking up items on a daily basis.
Q
Can I only order food for delivery?
A
This is an issue for individual supermarkets to determine. Retailers like Asda, which also sells clothing from its own fashion line
George, may continue to allow people to purchase non-food items along with their weekly groceries shop. And while high street stores deemed non-essential, such as fashion retailers and department stores, have closed, they remain open for business via online shopping and deliveries.
The risk of spreading the virus is significantly reduced through online deliveries, which is why all retailers are allowed to keep selling.
Q
How will order be kept at supermarkets?
A
Industry leaders in the sector have warned the Government that food shortages could lead to civil disobedience in stores and even rioting in the most extreme circumstances. Police forces are working closely with the sector but Priti Patel, the Home Secretary, has made clear that she does not want to see officers used to guard stores.
Instead, they will likely be asked to respond to incidents. Supermarkets are already stepping up their security measures to deal with unruly customers.
Q
What happens if other stores don’t close as instructed?
A
The Government has said businesses that defy the lockdown risk being prosecuted by trading standards officers, who have the power to issue “potentially unlimited fines”.