The new retail rules to help control the spread of coronavirus in stores have gone live in Wales.
First Minister Mark Drakeford announced the new measures last Friday over concerns some retailers weren't following guidance as strictly as during the spring lockdown.
Those rules have now gone into law with ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) saying retailers should have been kept better informed about the exact details of the changes.
All retail stores in Wales are now required to do the following:
- Introduce measures for controlling entry to the premises and limiting the number of customers who are on the premises at one time.
- Provide hand sanitisation products or hand washing facilities for use of customers when they enter the premises.
- Introduce measures to sanitise any baskets, trolleys or similar containers provided for use by customers on the premises.
Remind customers to maintain distance of 2m between each other and wear a face covering. This should be done by displaying signs and other visual aids and making announcements on a regular basis.
ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “Local shops in Wales have already been implementing many of the new measures that have been set out in the amended regulations to keep customers and colleagues safe throughout the pandemic.
"However, the new specifics around controlling entry to the premises and sanitising trolleys require additional resources and staff time which for many of the smallest stores is not something that can just be implemented straight away.
“The lack of communication from the Welsh Government means retailers are now reading regulations and trying to devise stop gap solutions rather than focusing on helping customers and colleagues, and maintaining Covid-safe sites – something they have done superbly over the past year.
"We need better consultation and some notice period to allow stores to prepare.”
Speaking last week Mr Drakeford said: “Ministers have also met this week with key retailers to discuss their vital role during the pandemic. They set out the actions they are taking from providing sanitisers for hands and trolleys on entry; limiting the numbers in store at any one time; and making regular announcements reminding people to keep their distance from others.
“We will strengthen regulations to ensure retailers take these steps so that their premises are as safe as possible for shoppers and their employees alike. Many are already operating high standards and we need to raise the bar for those who could and should improve."
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