Supermarkets in England are closing off some non-essential areas in stores due to “government guidelines”.
In Wales, stores that remained open during the two week firebreak were stopped from selling certain goods – like electrical items and clothes.
It caused confusion due to its late implementation and triggered a backlash from some shoppers.
Last week it was reported that the UK Government was proposing a watered down version of the measure – asking supermarkets to close off certain non-essential aisles and sections.
But UK Government has quickly denied this. They said: ” These claims are false. Items will not be cordoned off.”
It has now emerged though that Tesco is closing off mezzanine areas selling non-essential items at stores.
There are report on Sky News that Sainsbury’s are taking similar action.
Tesco today said on Twitter: “In line with the latest government guidelines, we’ve closed the mezzanine levels in our English stores.
“I’m sorry for any inconvenience caused. If there’s something in particular that you need from the mezzanine level, please just speak to one of our in-store colleagues.”
Customers were not happy.
One said on Twitter: “My local @Tesco Barrow-in-Furness blocked the clothing and electrical section off as non-essential.
“Shocking, thought England would have more sense after the Welsh non essential uproar. @Tesco I hope the people of barrow boycott your store.”
The guidance from the UK government said: “Where a business has sufficiently distinct parts, and one section provides essential retail and one section provides non-essential retail, the non-essential sections should close to limit interactions between customers and the opportunity for the disease to spread.”
