SRC reaction to First Minister’s announcements on easing lockdown
2 July 2020
At her press conference today the First Minister made a series of announcements relating to the relaxation of lockdown rules. David Lonsdale, Director of the Scottish Retail Consortium, said:
“Scottish Ministers have clearly listened to a number of the representations that the retail industry has made in determining further relaxations of lockdown. Lifting the five mile limit, not asking shopworkers to enforce the wearing of face coverings, and accepting our argument that physical distancing could be reduced when appropriate mitigations are in place, will help retailers’ operations without impinging on public health. More steps will be needed, but there is much retailers can support in the First Minister’s announcement.”
On the lack of a firm date for reopening Shopping Centres
“Headway is being made on the phased re-opening of the retail industry, and the go-ahead for food-to-go retailers to open their outdoor seating from 6 July is positive and should help encourage people back to our retail destinations. However, the lack of a definitive and firm date for the re-opening of stores in shopping centres and malls is unfortunate, some fifteen weeks after they were shuttered due to lockdown. Until those centres and malls reopen many non-essential shops will remain closed, and that means there are fewer reasons for people to visit Scotland’s town centres and high streets. Hopefully the continued progress in tackling coronavirus will encourage Ministers to provide much needed clarity very soon on this.”
On the relaxation of the five mile limit for leisure travel
“Retailers in city centres will strongly welcome the proposed relaxation of the five mile restrictions. Whilst we understand why it was required, it’s vital for the health of Scotland’s city and town centres that we are able to attract customers to those hubs and encourage a return to shopping. That return is a vital step in restarting Scotland’s economy.
On the proposed relaxation of the 2 metre physical distancing restrictions for retailers as one of three sectoral exemptions
“We recognise the delicate balancing act between public health and economic recovery, and we believe the decision to allow retail businesses from 10 July to operate with reduced physical distancing where they can demonstrate it is safe is a sensible and welcome compromise. The reduction will support shops, which have faced limits and caps on footfall into store - and therefore spending - as a result of the physical distancing measures. Retailers have worked hard and have already taken numerous steps to keep customers and colleagues safe, and we will aim to work closely with Government to ensure there is clear and proportionate guidance in this area.”
On the decision to make the wearing of face coverings mandatory
“The First Minister’s announcement is further proof that there will be no immediate return to normal shopping. We’ve supported the government’s view that the voluntary wearing of face coverings by customers can help to reduce the risk of transmission of this virus; in conjunction with using hand sanitiser and maintaining physical distancing etiquette in stores. Our members will seek to make this policy work.