Further to the answer to WQ80813, what steps will the First Minister take to ensure that retailers understand and comply with the physical distancing duty, the requirements in regulation 13 of the coronavirus regulations, and official guidance ?
The Welsh Government is working with both retailers and industry bodies, such as the Welsh Retail Consortium, to ensure adequate steps are taken to provide a safe experience for consumers and workers alike within the requirements of social distancing protocols.
The Minister for Finance & Trefnydd and Minister for Economy & Transport have met the Board of the Welsh Retail Consortium Board. In addition, the Minister for Energy, Environment and Rural Affairs regularly meets the supermarkets to discuss a range of issues. Recently the focus has been on social distancing and public protection. The last meeting was on 5 August when the Minister set out, very clearly, the obligations placed on the sector by Welsh regulations. These contacts have enabled us to develop sector guidance in partnership with the Retail Consortium and Usdaw which has helped retailers operate safely.
This engagement is ongoing in order to ensure the guidance reflects the current environment, including latest professional medical opinion. All retailers are urged to follow the guidance.
If there are concerns about particular retailers not following the official guidance these should be reported to the local authority for investigation. Local authority powers were strengthened in this regard in the most recent set of regulations.