Six supermarkets in Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) have been told to improve their coronavirus safety measures or face closure.
RCT Council says it is taking a "tough stance" on these businesses to ensure that they continue help to keep shoppers safe.
The supermarkets have been criticised for not ensuring that social distancing is being maintained and that hand and cleaning sanitiser is available where appropriate.
The council's public health and protection team found that six out of the 45 supermarket premises they visited were not adhering to the coronavirus protection regulations which came into force in Wales on August 10.
As a result , the following premises have now been served improvement notices (orange):
- Tesco, Talbot Green
- Aldi, Porth
- Morrisons, Porth
- Lidl, Aberdare
- Iceland, Pontypridd (Taff Street)
- Co-op, Ynysybwl
These businesses will now be given 48 hours to correct the issues highlighted or further enforcement action will be considered, including the option to issue closure notices.
This action follows the message from RCT Council Leader Andrew Morgan who has raised concerns relating to supermarkets not just across Rhondda Cynon Taf, but on behalf of Wales.
Cllr Andrew Morgan said: "Council officers have inspected over 45 supermarkets across RCT.
"All of those inspected have been advised on ways to improve how they operate, however eight supermarkets will receive follow up visits and six are being served with improvement notices.
"During the inspections a number of businesses were advised on the regulations and made improvements immediately and have continued to enforce these. This has resulted in the businesses avoiding an improvement notice being issued today."
He added: "While supermarkets and businesses across Rhondda Cynon Taf are being asked to improve how they operate within Covid-19 regulations. Each and every one of us who use these stores have to follow the rules, take more care and remember to social distance and use hand sanitiser etc. As the recent events over the past few days have shown us, the virus hasn’t gone away, but together by following the guidelines we can keep RCT and Wales safe."
