If you’re like most people living in tier 4 areas of the UK, you’re probably wondering which shops are still open for business. Fortunately, despite the recent lockdown restrictions, there are still quite a few shops and services that can stay open in these areas. So, whether you’re looking for groceries, home goods, healthcare products, or even some new clothes and accessories, there are still plenty of options available to you.
For starters, essential retailers such as supermarkets, pharmacies, hardware stores and pet shops can stay open under tier 4 restrictions. This means that you won’t have to worry about running low on food or other important supplies anytime soon. Likewise, you can still access essential healthcare products and services such as opticians, dentists, and hearing services. Additionally, some non-essential retailers such as garden centres and outdoor markets can stay open as well, so you can still browse for plants, flowers, and other outdoor essentials to spruce up your home. Overall, while the COVID-19 pandemic has certainly affected our daily routines, it’s good to know that many shops and services are still available to us during this time.
Lastly, it’s important to note that most of these shops are taking extra safety precautions to keep both their employees and customers safe during the pandemic. So, if you need to go out shopping, make sure to follow preventive measures such as wearing a mask, practicing social distancing, and sanitizing your hands frequently. By doing so, you’ll not only protect yourself but also contribute to the wider effort to combat this pandemic.
List of Essential Shops Allowed in Tier 4
As Tier 4 restrictions come into effect, it is important to be aware of the shops that are allowed to stay open during this time. The following is a list of essential shops that are permitted to remain open under Tier 4 regulations:
- Supermarkets and other food retailers
- Pharmacies and chemists
- Hardware stores and builders’ merchants
- Off-licences and licensed shops selling alcohol (including breweries)
- Petrol stations
- Bicycle shops
- Funeral directors
- Laundrettes and dry cleaners
- Vehicle rental and repair services
- Banks, building societies, and post offices
- Market stalls selling essential goods
It is important to note that these shops must follow strict Covid-19 guidelines to ensure the safety of both customers and staff. Measures such as wearing face masks, social distancing, and increased sanitization are mandatory in all essential shops.
Guidance on Non-Essential Shops in Tier 4
As the UK government recently announced Tier 4 restrictions to curb the spread of COVID-19, only essential shops are allowed to operate. The government has defined essential shops, as well as non-essential shops that can remain open with restrictions. Here is a breakdown of the guidance for non-essential shops in Tier 4 areas:
- Garden centres and agricultural supplies shops can remain open
- Building merchants and suppliers of building products can remain open to trade customers, but should operate a closed-door policy with orders taken online, by phone, or by email with delivery or collection services available
- Off-licences and licensed shops selling alcohol (including breweries) can remain open for takeaway sales only
It is important to note that non-essential retail shops such as clothing stores, electronics stores, and toy stores cannot operate in Tier 4 areas. However, they are allowed to offer click-and-collect services and deliveries. Meanwhile, personal care and beauty services, such as hairdressers and nail salons, must remain closed.
The table below summarizes the allowed operations for non-essential shops in Tier 4 areas:
| Business type | Can they remain open? |
|---|---|
| Garden centres and agricultural supplies shops | Yes |
| Building merchants and suppliers of building products | Yes (to trade customers only) |
| Off-licences and licensed shops selling alcohol (including breweries) | Yes (for takeaway sales only) |
| Clothing stores, electronics stores, and toy stores | No (click-and-collect and delivery services allowed) |
| Personal care and beauty services | No (must remain closed) |
Businesses must comply with the government guidelines to operate safely and protect their staff and customers. Staying informed and following the instructions of relevant authorities can ensure the continuity of business operations while safeguarding public health.
Can Car Showrooms Stay Open in Tier 4?
Under the Tier 4 restrictions, non-essential retail must close, which includes shops selling clothing and homeware, as well as betting shops, electronics stores, and indoor markets. However, car showrooms are among the few exceptions that can remain open during Tier 4 restrictions.
- Customers can still physically visit car showrooms to purchase new and used cars or to test drive vehicles. However, it is recommended to make appointments in advance, as safety measures such as limiting the number of customers inside the showroom may be in place.
- Showrooms must ensure that they follow COVID-19 safety guidelines, such as enforcing social distancing, providing hand sanitizing stations, and frequently cleaning surfaces.
- It is worth noting that car service centres can also remain open during Tier 4 restrictions.
While other industries are forced to close their doors, car showrooms are able to continue trading provided they follow the necessary safety guidelines. This exemption has been welcomed by the industry and has allowed car sales and servicing to continue during these uncertain times.
The Rules for Garden Centres in Tier 4
Garden centres have become increasingly popular during the pandemic as people spent more time at home gardening and undertaking DIY projects. The good news for garden lovers in Tier 4 is that garden centres are allowed to remain open, as they have been deemed essential stores.
- Garden centres in Tier 4 can remain open, but they must adhere to strict safety guidelines, including social distancing measures and mandatory mask-wearing.
- Customers are encouraged to use hand sanitiser upon entering the store, and garden centres must ensure that their staff wear appropriate PPE.
- Garden centres must also limit the number of people allowed in the store at one time to ensure social distancing is possible.
It’s vital to note that only essential items can be sold in garden centres in Tier 4. Therefore, garden centres cannot sell non-essential items such as Christmas decorations, gifts, or toys. There are also restrictions on selling items like clothing or homeware.
If you’re planning to visit a garden centre in Tier 4, it’s worth checking with them beforehand to see what their restrictions are and whether they have specific rules in place.
| Allowed Sales | Not Allowed Sales |
|---|---|
| Plants and gardening equipment | Non-essential items such as gifts or toys |
| Christmas trees and wreaths | Clothing or homeware |
| Tools and DIY materials |
Garden centres are an excellent resource and outlet for people who have been finding solace in gardening during the pandemic. By following safety guidelines and restrictions, they can continue to provide that essential service to customers during Tier 4 lockdown.
Are Hair Salons and Barbers Allowed to Open in Tier 4?
As the UK government announced tighter Covid-19 restrictions in Tier 4 areas, many people are wondering whether hair salons and barbers are still allowed to open. The short answer is no; hair salons and barbers are not allowed to operate in Tier 4 areas. However, there are some exceptions where mobile hairdressers can work.
- Mobile hairdressers – If you have a mobile hairdresser who operates only one-to-one appointments in clients’ private homes, they are allowed to continue operating in Tier 4 areas. However, the mobile hairdresser should take all necessary steps to ensure that they are following the Covid-19 guidelines, such as using PPE and sanitizing equipment.
- Accommodation providers – If a hair salon or barber is located within an accommodation provider, such as a hotel or a hostel, they can continue to operate but only for guests staying at the accommodation. The hair salon or barber should take the necessary measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19, such as wearing PPE and sanitizing equipment.
- Medical reasons – People who require hairdressing services for medical reasons are allowed to have their hair cut. This includes individuals who have physical disabilities or conditions that require hairdressing services.
It’s worth noting that the restrictions are in place to prevent the spread of Covid-19, which is highly contagious and can be transmitted through close contact. Hair salons and barbershops involve prolonged interaction in a confined space and, therefore, are considered high risk.
To summarize, hair salons and barbers are not allowed to operate in Tier 4 areas. However, there are some exceptions for mobile hairdressers, accommodation providers, and people who require hairdressing services for medical reasons. If you have any doubts or inquiries, it’s worth checking with your local authorities or the National Hair and Beauty Federation.
Exceptions to the Tier 4 Regulations
While most non-essential shops are required to close under Tier 4 regulations, there are some exceptions. These include:
- Supermarkets and other food shops, including stores selling alcohol
- Pharmacies and other health services, including opticians, dental surgeries, and chiropractors
- Newsagents and shops selling essential items such as household cleaning products and toiletries
Further to this, some shops that may be closed to the public can still operate through online or phone orders that can be delivered, such as clothing and electronics stores.
Additionally, some businesses that provide essential services but are not classified as shops are allowed to remain open. These include:
- Banks, building societies, and other financial institutions
- Post offices and delivery services
- Veterinary clinics and pet shops
- Hardware stores and garden centres
It is important to note that each Tier 4 area may have specific differences in which shops and businesses are allowed to remain open, so it is necessary to check local guidelines.
| Allowed to Stay Open | Required to Close |
|---|---|
| Supermarkets and other food shops | Clothing stores |
| Pharmacies and other health services | Electronics stores |
| Newsagents and shops selling essential items | Jewelry stores |
| Banks and other financial institutions | Gift shops |
| Post offices and delivery services | Toy stores |
| Veterinary clinics and pet shops | Beauty salons |
Overall, it is crucial for businesses to adhere to Tier 4 regulations in order to help protect the community and contain the spread of COVID-19.
Impact of Tier 4 Restrictions on Retail and Hospitality Sectors
The Covid-19 pandemic has heavily impacted the retail and hospitality sectors, with Tier 4 restrictions exacerbating an already challenging situation. These restrictions have closed many businesses and severely limited the services offered by others. As a result, many businesses are facing significant financial difficulties, and some may be forced to close permanently. Here we’ll discuss the impact of Tier 4 on retail and hospitality sectors.
- Store closures: All non-essential retail must close under Tier 4 restrictions, including clothing stores, furniture shops, and electronics stores. Only essential retail, such as food shops, pharmacies, and garden centres can remain open.
- Online shopping: With physical stores closed, online shopping has become even more important. Retail businesses that have a strong online presence will be in a better position to continue to trade during the restrictions.
- The effect on hospitality: Pubs, restaurants, and cafes must also close under Tier 4 restrictions. They can continue to offer takeaway and delivery services, but this may not be enough to sustain them financially.
The impact of Tier 4 restrictions on the retail and hospitality sectors has been severe, and many businesses are struggling to survive. The table below shows the percentage of UK businesses that paused trading or temporarily closed by industry sector in January 2021, highlighting the widespread impact of restrictions.
| Industry sector | % pausing trading or temporarily closed |
|---|---|
| Accommodation and food services | 77% |
| Arts, entertainment, and recreation | 68% |
| Retail | 61% |
It’s clear that the impact of Tier 4 restrictions on the retail and hospitality sectors has been significant. Businesses in these sectors have had to adapt quickly to survive, and many have turned to online sales and delivery services. The long-term impact of these closures remains to be seen, but many businesses will need sustained support to survive.
What Shops Can Stay Open in Tier 4?
In response to the latest government restrictions, many businesses have been left wondering which shops are allowed to stay open in tier 4 areas. To help clear up any confusion, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions below:
1. Can supermarkets stay open in tier 4?
Yes, supermarkets are considered essential and can stay open in tier 4 areas.
2. Can hardware stores stay open in tier 4?
Yes, hardware stores are also considered essential and can stay open in tier 4 areas.
3. Can pet shops stay open in tier 4?
Yes, pet shops are considered essential and can stay open in tier 4 areas.
4. Can garden centres stay open in tier 4?
No, unfortunately, garden centres are required to close in tier 4 areas.
5. Can toy stores stay open in tier 4?
No, non-essential retail, including toy stores, are required to close in tier 4 areas.
6. Can electronics stores stay open in tier 4?
No, non-essential retail, including electronics stores, are required to close in tier 4 areas.
7. Can takeaway services stay open in tier 4?
Yes, takeaway services can continue to operate in tier 4 areas, including restaurants, cafes, and fast food outlets.
We hope this FAQ has helped to answer any questions you may have had about what shops can stay open in tier 4. Stay safe and thank you for reading. Be sure to visit us again for more updates!