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The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) is “disappointed” that new rules taking effect from tomorrow (30 October) across Nottinghamshire will force retailers to ban off-licence sales after 9pm – despite pubs being able to trade until 10pm.
James Lowman, ACS chief executive, said: “We are disappointed that these additional restrictions on the sale of alcohol are being introduced with very short notice, which will likely lead to confusion from customers and significant stress for colleagues in stores.
“There is a real risk that theft of alcohol will increase, where it is not able to be shuttered or locked down, and we are extremely concerned about the increased risk of confrontation between customers and colleagues.
“Colleague safety and welfare remains our number one priority and we continue to encourage all incidents of abuse or violence to be reported to the police as soon as possible.”
The additional tier three restrictions will be imposed across all eight districts of Nottinghamshire covering retailers in the districts of Ashfield, Bassetlaw, Broxtowe, Gedling, Mansfield, Newark and Sherwood, Nottingham and Rushcliffe.
No alcohol sales will be allowed after 9pm in retail outlets but pubs and other on-trade premises will be able to sell alcohol until 10pm.
The Department of Health imposed the new restrictions, which will be in force initially for 28 days, following a big rise in infection levels.
Health secretary Matt Hancock said: “We have seen infection rates rising sharply across Nottinghamshire and in close collaboration with local leaders we have agreed on a package of measures to stop this virus in its tracks.”
Under the existing tier three measures, bars and pubs in the county will have to close unless they serve “substantial” meals and households are also banned from mixing indoors or in private gardens and beer gardens.
Hospitality venues can only stay open if they offer substantial meals or will have to switch to offering a takeaway service only.
The ACS has compiled a full list of the regional lockdown restrictions that retailers now face at: https://www.gov.uk/find-coronavirus-local-restrictions
It has also produced a poster for retailers to help them communicate the restrictions to customers which is available at: https://www.acs.org.uk/sites/default/files/customer_notice_nottingham_stores.pdf
