LISTEN: Click and collect services allowed throughout COVID-19 restrictions

By Q Radio News

The Executive has agreed on a plan to allow shops to remain open to operate a regulated click and collect service.

From this Friday, all non-essential retail must close under the latest round of COVID-19 restrictions however, this change by Ministers will allow non-essential retailers across Northern Ireland to continue selling their stock in the run up to Christmas.

The announcement was revealed in a tweet from the Alliance Party leader and Justice Minister Naomi Long:

Pleased that Executive agreed my suggestion that stores should be allowed to operate a regulated click and collect service. Online shopping is a safer alternative during lockdown, so it's important that independent local retailers can participate as well as larger stores.

— Naomi Long MLA (@naomi_long) November 24, 2020

The Director of the Northern Ireland Retail Consortium has also welcomed the decision to allow click and collect for non-essential retail over the 2-week lock down, Aodhán Connolly said:

"This is a very welcome decision from the Executive that will be a life line for many retailers who faced 2 weeks of not being able to do any business in what should be their busiest time.

"This combined with money that is now available for businesses to go online will make a difference. However, we need public support to make this work.

Aodhan Connolly speaking to Q Radio

"Please abide by the time that you are given to collect your goods. Remember to keep your distance and wear a face covering when queueing and continue to wash your hands.

"We can only make this work if people are responsible and think of others. Leave extra time for your shopping and be kind to staff and fellow shoppers. This is in no way a normal Christmas, but we can make it better we work together.”