Irish hardware retailer Woodie's has said that children under the age of 16 will not be permitted in stores when they re-open on Monday.
From May 18, hardware stores in Ireland are permitted to re-open as part of the Phase 1 of lifting restrictions.
They are expected to keep customers and staff safe by introducing social distancing measures.
But Woodie's has gone a step further, and explained that staff have "expressed concerns" about social distancing with children in store.
Following the announcement, a number of people accused the shop of discrimination against families with circumstances where children could not be left at home.
Woodie's have also moved to assure customers that cannot abide by the measure that alternative shopping arrangements can be made in partnership with the store.
They said: "The safety of our colleagues and customers remains our number one priority. For now those under 16 are not permitted in our stores, as our colleagues have expressed concerns that social distancing is much harder to adhere to with children in our stores.
"As always in these uncertain times we are listening to that feedback. We value all of our customers and do not want anyone to feel excluded, so would encourage you to contact us via https://woodies.ie/contacts/ and we will arrange a way for you to shop with us.
"We really appreciate your patience and understanding in these difficult times."
