Shoppers entering Boots stores with the intention of browsing for non-essential items could be refused entry in certain stores because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Just a week ago, some of the larger stores had beauty counters open as normal, with reports of shoppers continuing to browse hair dye and cosmetic items despite lockdown measures.
But now the company have warned that "shoppers could be banned from entering stores to browse and purchase non- essential goods" reports the Daily Mirror.
Boots staff can now ask shoppers what it is they need before allowing them to enter the store.
If the item is essential, such as medicine, a member of staff can retrieve the item for you, so that you can go straight to the till to pay for it.
In some boots stores, areas of the shop floor that are "non-essential" - such the perfume section, will now be cornered off completely.
A spokesperson for Boots said: "We have been doing everything we can to keep our stores open, ensuring all communities have access to a pharmacy and customers can get the essentials that they need.
"We are prioritising the sale of essential medicines, prescription and toiletry items both in store and online.
"Our premium beauty counters are now not staffed, however if a customer wishes to pick up some additional products from our self-service area whilst in the store, then they should normally be able to do so."
The changes come after Boots introduced some PPE for staff, such as perspex screen and visors, after staff began to feel unsafe at work.
One staff member who works at a Boots pharmacy told the BBC she was wearing her own gloves to work because her team had not been provided with any to use during shifts.
Her store had initially closed off aisles containing non-essential products and limited the number of customers allowed in – but she said those measures were lifted this week with no explanation given to staff on the shop floor.
The concerned member of staff said: "The doors are just open and anyone can wander in - people are looking at makeup, wandering around," she said.
"No one needs to buy fragrance right now."
