It’s understandably frustrating for retailers imperiously deemed ‘non-essential’ to see others still trading from open stores, but attempting to limit the operations of so-called essential shops will not relieve any of the pressure on the worst affected.

The sight of grocers and other big retailers such as Marks & Spencer having to close off floorspace showed only the contradictions of the measures in place. 

It’s not just food retailers that are being targeted. Carpetright and Ryman are among those to have attracted the anger of independent retailers who argue that they are selling non-essential goods. Indie retail association Bira went public with its criticism at the weekend.