London Councils is calling on Londoners to continue their support for local businesses and high streets when the phased reopening of non-essential retail outlets starts from 15th June.
Public health is the biggest priority, which is why London boroughs have been working with local businesses to ensure their shops are safe to reopen for staff and customers.
Many shops have put in place additional safety measures, such as screens and queuing systems, to protect staff and customers. Customers are also being reminded to maintain social distancing, wear face masks and adhere to signage in shops to make sure they and the wider community remains safe.
To travel to shops and high streets, boroughs are also asking residents to walk or cycle where possible, and avoid using public transport unless necessary. If people do use public transport, wearing a face mask while travelling by bus, train or Tube will be mandatory from 15th June and planning journeys to avoid peak times is highly recommended.
Essential retailers have been open throughout the coronavirus pandemic, with businesses and shop workers doing their utmost to ensure Londoners have access to food, toiletries and other essential items.
Now the green light has been given for non-essential retailers to open, boroughs are asking residents to play their part in helping local high streets and businesses get back on their feet, boosting the local economy and potentially creating jobs and services for London’s communities.
Cllr Clare Coghill, London Councils Executive Member for Business, Europe and Good Growth said:
“The Covid-19 pandemic has brought change and disruption to London’s local businesses. As boroughs cautiously look to reopen London’s diverse high streets with safety as a top priority, Londoners now have a real opportunity to support and celebrate their local traders.
“The phased reopening of non-essential retail businesses from the 15th June will bring some more normalcy to the lives of Londoners. While we are all spending more time at home, now is the perfect time to explore local shops that we may not have had the chance to before and to support much-loved businesses we know well.
“If we stick to social distancing and follow the robust safety systems shops have worked hard to implement, we can safely make a conscious choice to shop locally, protecting local businesses and even supporting growth in these challenging times.”
ENDS
1. London Councils represents London’s 32 boroughs and the City of London. It is a cross-party organisation that works on behalf of all of its member authorities regardless of political persuasion.