Retailers ask the government to advance the reopening of the sector until Monday

RETAIL EXCELLENCE, Ireland’s largest industry body, has set three “key demands” on the government ahead of the anticipated reopening of nonessential retail next week.

The cabinet will meet today to discuss the Level 5 exit plan, as everything indicates that the country will return to Level 3 restrictions, with some modifications, next Tuesday.

Yesterday, Micheál Martin said that “no decisions have yet been made” on exactly what restrictions will follow Level 5.

However, it looks like there will be good news for retailers as all non-essential stores will reopen.

It is understood that retailers will also be given the green light to extend opening hours. While such a move generally requires planning permission, local authorities are believed to have been working hard with businesses to facilitate longer opening hours.

This is to mitigate the crowds of shoppers descending on retailers in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

In a statement today, Retail Excellence set out three “key demands” for the government ahead of the lifting of Level 5 restrictions. The current regulations are in effect until December 2, shortly after midnight.

The key demands are:

• The reopening of non-essential retail will be brought forward no later than Monday, November 30.
• Relief from national restrictions to allow shoppers to cross county borders and accommodate indoor dining in coffee shops, cafes, and restaurants.
• Retailers will be allowed to extend business hours as needed for December.

“This is the most critical week of the year for retailers, and we simply cannot afford to be wrong on important decisions related to reopening non-essential retailers,” said Retail Excellence Managing Director Duncan Graham.

He also called on the government to ease restrictions starting Monday so shoppers can travel across county lines and also ensure that coffee shops and cafes can facilitate meals indoors.

“If shoppers can’t get out of their own county, this will have a huge negative effect on the retailers that depend on this business,” Graham said.

“At the same time, any level of restrictions above two would mean that coffee shops and cafes could only facilitate cookouts for up to 15 people, which would be devastating for businesses and act as a deterrent for shoppers in the next few weeks, especially considering how bad December weather is, ”he said.

Graham has also called on the government and local authorities to allow longer business hours through December to adequately meet buyer demand.

As noted above, it is understood that retailers will be given the green light to extend opening hours.

“Retailers have done everything they can to mitigate the risks posed by Covid-19, and an extension of opening hours would mean they could effectively cope with customer demand for Christmas. It makes sense in every way, ”Graham said.

He also called on the Irish people to support Irish business this Christmas.

“Now more than ever, we need to think before we click and buy locally. Irish businesses deserve our support after a year in which many have been closed for up to 20 weeks, so now is the time to give something back, ”he said.

With information from Christina Finn