Boris Johnson made the announcement yesterday in a briefing, giving the next step in the road map out of lockdown the go-ahead. All non-essential retail in England is set to reopen next Monday, along with hair and nail salons, outdoor bars and restaurants for table service, libraries and gyms
It is expected that these must only be attended/used in line with the wider social contact limits at this stage of the roadmap – as a single household or bubble indoors; or in a group of six people or two households outdoors. Johnson warned against complacency.
The full list of non-essential shops includes: clothing and homeware stores, vehicle showrooms (other than for rental), betting shops, tailors, tobacco and vape shops, electronic goods and mobile phone shops, auction houses (except for auctions of livestock and agricultural equipment), and market stalls selling non-essential goods. These businesses are able to operate a click and collect service until April 12. Full details can be found HERE.
Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own, separate lockdown exit plans. Non-essential shops are expected to open in Wales from April 12, although outdoor hospitality will not open until 26 April. Scotland started to reopen some non-essential high street businesses yesterday, Easter Monday, including garden centres, homeware stores and hairdressers. However, most non-essential retail in the country will not reopen until 26 April. Northern Ireland is yet to set out reopening targets.