Alcohol sales in convenience stores have increased, following the introduction of the 10pm pub curfew to curb the spread of coronavirus.
Speaking to Better Retailing, numerous retailers said that the change had positively impacted sales as more people drink alcohol at home amid pub closures and local lockdowns.
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Harj Dhasee, of the Village Store in Gloucestershire, said that the rule had resulted in him seeing a 12% increase on week-on-week sales. He said: “We associate this with the new restrictions that have been introduced by the UK government and we are expecting an increase going forward.”
Serge Notay, of Notay’s Premier in West Yorkshire, said he has seen a 30% increase in alcohol sales year on year and he has increased stocks of John Smith’s Ale and Tetley Smooth Flow. He said: “It’s because of the current pandemic. Customers are realising the convenience store once again. I’m confident that by adjusting to economic conditions the business can do well in any climate.”
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The trend comes after Boris Johnson announced that pubs, bars and restaurants in England were to be shut by 10pm from 24 September to limit the spread of the virus.
Meanwhile, Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester has called for a ban on alcohol sales in all shops after 9pm after arguing that the pub closures are causing customers to rush into stores instead.
Find out more on our coronavirus information hub for retailers
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