Retailers call for level playing field ahead of today’s Executive meeting
The Executive is due to meet with retailers later today (Friday) to discuss concerns some businesses may not be following lockdown rules properly .
Some larger stores have been accused of selling non-essential items, while some smaller independent shops have had to close and have been told they cannot offer a click and collect service.
Glyn Roberts, Chief Executive of Retail NI, is due to attend today’s meeting.
He said he is looking forward to engaging with politicians but is urging for a “level playing field”.
He said: “We are absolutely committed to supporting all the efforts by the Executive to combat the pandemic and to ensure vital food and other products can continue to be safely sold to the community that our members so proudly serve.
“Retail NI wants to see a level playing field on the pandemic regulations for all retailers that are currently trading.
“It is blatantly unfair that local independent retailers who sell books, toys, clothes and homeware are unable to open or offer a click and collect service while large supermarkets can remain open, sell those products and continue to make substantial profits.”
The issue of face coverings is also expected to be discussed by Ministers.
It comes after several supermarkets have said this week that they are adopting a no-nonsense approach to people not wearing face masks.
Tesco, ASDA and Sainsbury’s have all said they will deny entry to shoppers who do not wear face coverings unless they are medically exempt.
The PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne said since the new restrictions have been introduced on average 40 penalty notices are being handed out each day.
He said: I do wonder though if it’s time to ask the question, is the focus on enforcement figures actually the right thing to do because I have to take my hat off, as much as to my officers and staff who are working hard to support the health service in this endeavour.
“But, to the vast majority of the public who I have seen first-hand complying with the guidance and regulations and trying so hard to fight the virus with us and do the right thing.”
It comes as the Department of Health’s Covid-19 death toll now stands at 1,533.
Thursday’s figures showed a further 17 Coronavirus related deaths, while 793 people tested positive from 3,596 tests.
There are currently 850 hospital inpatients, 58 of whom are being treated in intensive care.
There are 30 available ICU beds at present.