Welsh government to review non-essential items ban after tens of thousands sign petition

Stores told they must close parts of their stores for 17-day ‘firebreak’

Non-essential items are blocked off in a Tesco supermarket on Western Avenue in Cardiff, Wales. (Getty Images)

The Welsh government has said it will review a ban on supermarkets selling non-essential items during lockdown, after more than 30,000 people signed a petition against the policy.

The government had told stores they must close parts of their stores displaying goods such as clothes, shoes and toys during the 17-day "firebreak".

Angry shoppers then complained about being unable to buy kitchen utensils, bedding and electrical goods such as kettles.

The petition described the restriction on non-essential items as irrational and says it "will create more harm than good".

It adds: "We do not agree for example that parents should be barred from buying clothes for their children during lockdown while out shopping. This is disproportionate and cruel and we ask that the decision be reversed immediately."

The petition has already passed the 5,000 signature threshhold for a debate in the Senedd and by 7.30pm on Saturday evening had already reached 30,000.

First Minister Mark Drakeford said the Welsh Government would review "how the weekend has gone" with supermarkets and make sure that "common sense is applied”. Mr Drakeford tweeted: "Thank you for all your efforts over the last 24 hours to stay at home. We know people are fed up. 

"It's not easy, but we all have a responsibility to stop the virus spreading. We'll be reviewing how the weekend has gone with the supermarkets and making sure that common sense is applied. "Supermarkets can sell anything that can be sold in any other type of shop that isn't required to close. In the meantime, please only leave home if you need to."  

Paul Davies, the leader of the Welsh Conservatives, had earlier called for the Welsh parliament, the Senedd, to be recalled to discuss the ruling.

He said the petition was "a clear sign to Labour ministers that people want this rule scrapped".

“It is madness that people have been banned from buying books, bins and baby clothes in local shops," Mr Davies added.

“The Wales-wide lockdown is disproportionate, unnecessary and biting our economy hard. I'd rather see people being able to buy items in shops in their communities that provide employment to local people than see millions spent at online internet giants.”  

Earlier on Saturday the Welsh Government insisted the measure was "not for the sake of being difficult".

"The purpose of selling essential items only during firebreak is to discourage spending more time than necessary in shops and to be fair to retailers who have to close," the government tweeted.

"We need to do everything we can to minimise the time we spend outside our homes. This will help save lives and protect the NHS."