The government has announced after weeks of lockdown, changes will be put into place that will allow shops and businesses to reopen again from June.
From Monday 1st June, outdoor markets and car showrooms will be allowed to open, while all other non-essential retail can open from Monday 15th June.
Places to open from 15th June include clothes retail shops, toys and furniture, as well as indoor markets, auction houses and photography studios.
The Prime Minister has stressed that such businesses will only be able to reopen under the terms that the government’s five tests have been adhered to as well as the businesses being able to meet the ‘COVID-19 secure guidelines’ need to protect staff and customers.
Before being allowed to reopen on the dates stated, businesses will need to have completed a risk assessment in consultation with trade union representatives or workers. Businesses will be required to manage the risks going forward and have to ensure they have taken the necessary steps to becoming ‘COVID-19 secure’ in line with Health and Safety legislation.
To protect staff and customers, the government has outlined the following safety measures shops should consider putting in place:
- Posters placed in the windows to demonstrate awareness of the guidelines and commitment to safety measures.
- Storing returned items for 72 hours before they go back on to the shop floor.
- Using protective coverings on large items the public may touch i.e. beds, sofas.
- Regular cleaning of objects and surfaces that are frequently touched, such as self-check outs, trolleys, coffee machines, betting terminals.
The government will be working alongside local authorities to carry out spot checks on businesses to ensure guidelines are being met, and any concerns raised by members of the public to be followed up. To enforce actions, tougher powers are in place including fines and jail sentences of up to two years.
Full list of stores that will be reopening:
Monday 1st June
- Outdoor Markets
- Car showrooms
Monday 15th June
- Clothes shops
- Shoe shops
- Toy shops
- Furniture shops
- Bookshops
- Electronics
- Tailors
- Auction houses
- Photography studios
- Indoor markets
What will remain closed?
Venues in the hospitality and leisure sector will remain closed until at least 4th July, when reopened it may only be partially.
Places that will remain closed:
- Restaurants
- Bars, Pubs & Nightclubs
- Cafes & canteens
- Hairdressers, barbers, beauty and nail salons
- Piercing & tattoo parlours
- Accommodation – Hotels, hostels, B&Bs, holiday rentals, campsites and boarding houses
- Caravan parks/sites for commercial uses
- Libraries
- Community centres
- Places of worship
- Museums & galleries
- Cinemas, theatres & concert halls
- Bingo halls, casinos and betting shops
- Spas
- Indoor fitness studios, gyms, swimming pools and indoor leisure centres
- Indoor arcades, bowling alleys, soft play centres
- Funfairs
- Playgrounds, outdoor gyms and outdoor swimming pools
