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Retail Excellence has said that the government’s decision to reintroduce a full-scale level 5 lockdown will lead to some stores closing for good.
Under the strict restrictions announced by Taoiseach Micheál Martin tonight, non-essential retailers will close tomorrow at close of business, along with gyms, leisure centers and swimming pools.
Retail Excellence CEO Duncan Graham said stores are being punished despite having followed public health guidelines.
“We did everything they asked us to do during the Christmas period. We restricted the number of clients in the run-up to Christmas, we handled the post-Christmas period with great care and sensitivity as requested, and we pay great attention to ensuring the security protocols were respected.
“Even earlier this week, Taoiseach himself acknowledged that there is no evidence that retail is contributing to the spread of the virus, but now we are forced to shut down.”
Graham added that the new restrictions will devastate businesses across the country.
“After the year we’ve had, I’m afraid that many stores that are closing now will never reopen.
“Our members will need urgent and significant financial support to have any chance of reopening, and we will seek urgent meetings with the Government on how to manage rents, taxes and payroll given the prolonged lockdowns we have had to endure over the past 9 months. . “
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