Non-essential retail to reopen next week as Johnson pledges end to national lockdowns

In an address to the House of Commons this afternoon, Boris Johnson said all non-essential retail stores would be allowed to reopen from next Wednesday, along with other high street operators such as gyms and hairdressers. 

The prime minister also said once the lockdown in England ends, it will not be replaced in future with another.

Instead, as part of the Covid Winter Plan, Johnson said England would return to a tiered approach, albeit with tightened restrictions. 

The ‘rule of six’ will be reintroduced across all tiers for social interactions. In all tiers, people will also be encouraged to work from home where they can. 

Pubs, bars and restaurants will be allowed to reopen in certain regions from next Wednesday, though only in areas in tiers one and two. Indoor entertainment venues will need to remain closed in regions in tier three. 

Johnson said there will be a “uniform set of rules” for each tier this time and “no negotiations with each region”.

He also said it is likely more areas will fall into higher tiers “at least temporarily”.

The government is due to announce which parts of England fall into which tiers on Thursday. 

Johnson said he hoped the reintroduction of “tougher” tiered restrictions in England would allow the government to introduce a “special time-limited Christmas dispensation” for people to see family and friends over the festive period. 

BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson said: “Retailers will be relieved by the government’s confirmation that all shops can reopen once the current restrictions are lifted. Data [from the scientific advisory group for emergencies] has always highlighted that retail is a safe environment and firms have spent hundreds of millions on safety measures including perspex screens, additional cleaning and social distancing and will continue to follow all safety guidance. As a result, customers can be reassured that retail premises are Covid-secure and safe to visit over the festive period.

“Shops – from high streets to retail parks – play an integral role in the run-up to Christmas. While retailers have stepped up their online delivery over the course of 2020, the bulk of Christmas shopping tends to be done in-store. The government’s decision to keep all of retail open will help to preserve jobs and the economy and help keep Christmas a festive occasion for everyone.”