Today is small business Saturday and it is expected that the town centre is expected to be one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year for shops and businesses, as people scramble to get their Christmas shopping done.
It is also the first weekend since the national lockdown was lifted on Wednesday with Swindon falling under new Tier 2 restrictions.
There are specific rules for these areas, which cover everything from socialising indoors to shopping.
Here are the rules you need to know if you’re planning on hitting the shops today – broken down by each tier.
Rules for Christmas shopping – Tier 2 – high alert
- You must not shop indoors with anyone you don’t live with or who is not in your bubble.
- You can socialise with up to six people outside.
- Shops can stay open so long as they are Covid secure.
- Hospitality venues can only serve alcohol with a substantial meal and must close by 11pm – including cafes.
- You should only travel when essential – “You can continue to travel to venues or amenities which are open, but should aim to reduce the number of journeys you make where possible”.
