England’s Shops Set to Reopen with Extended Hours from Tomorrow
From Wednesday 2nd December, England rolls back into tiered restrictions – but there’s a twist. All non-essential shops can swing their doors open again. Even better, planning rules that usually cap opening hours are being relaxed. This means shops can stay open longer to spread out the shoppers.
Longer Hours to Cut Crowds and Transport Chaos
This move isn’t just a lifeline for businesses struggling through the pandemic. It also aims to ease transport congestion and make social distancing during shopping a doddle. Shoppers get greater freedom to pick quieter times and dodge the rush.
Planning Rules Loosened to Help Retailers
Typically, local councils lock in shop opening times through planning permissions, often restricting hours from 9am to 7pm. Changing these rules is usually a slow grind, requiring formal applications lasting weeks.
But now, councils have been told to be flexible and “take a positive approach” when retailers ask to extend their hours. This means many local restrictions could be eased quickly just in time for the festive season.
Communities Secretary Backs Flexible Shopping Hours
“None of us entirely enjoy navigating the crowds, especially now when social distancing is so important for controlling the pandemic. So with these changes your local shops can open longer, ensuring more pleasant and safer shopping with less pressure on public transport,” said Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick MP.
“How long will be a choice for shopkeepers and at the discretion of the council. Councils should offer these hard pressed entrepreneurs and businesses the greatest possible flexibility this festive season.”
COVID-Secure Shops Ready for a Safer Christmas
Most shops have already made their premises COVID-secure. Allowing extended hours Monday to Saturday means safer shopping leading up to Christmas and the busy January sales rush.
And councils aren’t taking chances – if shops don’t uphold government COVID standards, they have the power to crack down to keep shoppers safe.
