Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick has announced on 30 November 2020 a much-needed boost to retailers, who will be able to extend their opening hours during the intense Christmas period and through January.
Due to the recent second national lockdown due to the spread of COVID-19, which has seen all non-essential shops close for a month in November, high street shops have been heavily impacted by the lack of sales, most of which had shifted online.
Now, from Wednesday 2 December, planning rules covering the opening times of stores will be relaxed to allow shops to be open for longer from Monday to Sunday, which aims to ease the pressure on transport in the cities, allow greater flexibility for people to avoid peak times and shop in a safer, socially-distanced manner.
Speaking of these developments, the Secretary of State, Robert Jenrick said: "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.
"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."
Consumers must also remember to:
