A Tesco shopper was left furious after being told she could not buy sanitary pads in a Welsh Tesco store, in what the supermarket giant later said was a "mistake."
A Tesco branch in Cardiff, Wales is understood to have prevented shoppers from accessing the aisle containing the products due to "firebreak" lockdown rules in place in Wales since Friday.
Under the firebreak regulations the government put a halt on supermarkets selling "non-essential" items like clothing, toys, books and electrical goods.
This has now sparked confusion about what can and can’t be sold in supermarkets after the shopper tweeted about her experience and received a response from Tesco, reports North Wales Live.
The Welsh government moved to clarify the rules in their own tweet, making clear that sanitary products were considered essential.
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The shopper who shared her experience online said: “Tesco can you explain why I was told today that I can’t buy PERIOD PADS as I’m sure they are essential to women ?!!! But I can buy alcohol it doesn’t make sense.”
In a now deleted tweet, Tesco's account replied: "We understand how frustrating these changes will be for our Welsh customers. However, we have been told by the Welsh Government not to sell these items for the duration of the firebreak lockdown."
The Welsh Government replied in order to clarify the situation saying Tesco were wrong to prevent the sale of sanitary products.
A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “This is wrong - period products are essential. Supermarkets can still sell items that can be sold in pharmacies. Only selling essential items during firebreak is to discourage spending more time than necessary in shops. It should not stop you accessing items that you need.”
Pictures were posted online appearing to show supermarket aisles stocking period pads as well as other health care items blocked off at the Tesco branch.
A Tesco spokesperson said: "Of course sanitary products are essential items and are available to customers in all of our stores, including those in Wales. The reply to this customer was sent by mistake and we’re very sorry for any confusion caused.”
