Major supermarket chains have been banned from selling non-essential items in Wales from 6pm today.
Brands such as Asda, Tesco, Aldi, Morrisons, Lidl and Sainsbury's will only be allowed to sell items deemed 'essential' between October 23 and November 9, as Wales enters a 'fire-break' lockdown.
First Minster Mark Drakeford has said that the tighter restrictions on what supermarkets can sell during that time compared to the last national lockdown have been put in place to create a "more even playing field" for small businesses, reports WalesOnline.
During Thursday's Senedd committee session, the First Minister explained: "In the first set of restrictions, people were reasonably understanding of the fact that supermarkets didn't close all the things that they may have needed to".
"I don't think people will be as understanding this time."
During the session Mr Drakeford faced criticism from Conservative Member of the Senedd Russell George who raised concern about clothing and hardware stores being closed while the same items are for sale in supermarket chains.
The BBC reported First Minister responding: "We will be making it clear to supermarkets that they are only able to open those parts of their business that provide essential goods to people.
"And that will not include some of the things that Russell George mentioned, which other people are prevented from selling.
"We will make sure there is a more level playing field in those next two weeks."
