Bira calls on government for retail road map in lockdown exit.
The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) is calling for the Government to make a clear exit plan out of lockdown for the sector.
With the Prime Minister Boris Johnson expected to outline his ‘road map’ to recovery from national lockdown conditions on Monday (February 22, 2021), Bira would like a clear plan for independent retailers, Including ‘non-essential’ retailers that have been closed for much of the last year.
Bira’s CEO Andrew Goodacre said independent retailers are ready to open as soon as permitted. “Independent retailers do not need much notice to reopen. All of the safety protocols are in place with regards to protective screening, hand sanitising and social distancing signage, furthermore, there is still a lack of evidence that suggests small shops contribute to spread,†he said.
“We do not believe that there is a need for a tier system this time, or differentiation between essential and non-essential shops; small shops, whatever their nature, can control the number of customers at any one time.â€
He’s also calling for a campaign to encourage people to return to their local high street as well the removal of barriers to shopping such as temporary road closures, unnecessary one-way systems and the quarantining of goods.
Andrew added, “Retail continues to be – and always has been – a safe place. We’d like to see a positive national campaign to increase consumer confidence in terms of safety.â€
The Prime Minister is due to make an announcement regarding lockdown restrictions on Monday.
