Spar retailer to close stores early in line with new regulations

The move follows the government’s announced that all retail employees will have to wear a face-covering from 24 September in a bid to combat the rise in coronavirus cases in England.

The retailer tweeted: “Some stores were already experiencing problems with customers later in the evening and we don’t want to expose store colleagues to any unnecessary risks.”

In response, one customer said: “It’s a real shame that it has to come to that, but the safety of the staff and your property is more important.”

The ACS is still waiting for the government to clarify the finer details of the new regulation, such as whether a mask is needed with a visor or when working behind a screen, which it expects to be published shortly.