All stores across Gedling borough will be banned from selling alcohol after 9pm when new Tier 3 restrictions come into force at 00.01 on Friday (October 30).
This is an additional measure imposed in Nottinghamshire and hasn’t been introduced into other areas that are currently under Tier 3 restrictions.
A statement released last night by councils from across the county said: “Alcohol sales must be prohibited after 9pm where alcohol is purchased to consume off-premises, for example, shops.
“Alcohol can continue to be purchased in hospitality venues, where accompanying a substantial meal, up until 10pm.”
One local off-license owner who didn’t wish to be named contacted Gedling Eye, slamming the move.
He said: “It’s a joke. A lot of my alcohol sales come after 9pm and only Nottinghamshire is being punished in this way. I just don’t understand it.
“We don’t sell to students as we don’t have that type of population here so it isn’t a problem. Maybe the ban should just be on those areas like City who sell to students.”
Data from the 2020 Local Shop Report shows that almost half (46%) of convenience stores in the East Midlands are open after 9pm.
ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “We are disappointed that these additional restrictions on the sale of alcohol after 9pm are being introduced in Nottinghamshire with very short notice, which will likely lead to confusion from customers and significant stress for colleagues in stores.
“There is a real risk that theft of alcohol will increase where it is not able to be shuttered or locked down, and we are extremely concerned about the increased risk of confrontation between customers and colleagues.
“Colleague safety and welfare remains our number one priority and we continue to encourage all incidents of abuse or violence to be reported to the police as soon as possible.”
