Stores dubbed ‘non-essential’ will be able to reopen at the start of next month when the latest English lockdown comes to an end.
All retailers will be able to resume trade after lockdown ends on December 2, prime minister Boris Johnson is expected to say today.
Retailers will breathe a sigh of relief that they will be able to trade fully in the final weeks of the crucial Christmas period. However, many still may not make up for trade lost during the lockdown, imposed to counter the spread of the coronavirus.
The restrictions prompted anger among many retailers deemed non-essential, who were frustrated at seeing rivals continue to trade.
Although the national lockdown will end, there will be a return to the three-tier system that was in place previously and some of the restrictions in place are likely to be tougher, the BBC reported.
It is understood that hospitality businesses such as pubs and restaurants will continue to face harsher restrictions than shops in higher-tier areas. Although they may be allowed an extra hour after closing at 10pm for customers to finish their food and drink, those in tier three may only be able to offer takeaways.
That could hit town and city centres, where hospitality is a big part of the draw. If they are operating under tough restrictions, footfall may be hit.
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