// Tesco apologises after implying online that sanitary products were not deemed essential amid Welsh lockdown
// Welsh Govt says grocers have “discretion” over the ban on selling non-essential items during lockdown
Tesco has apologised after it suggested sanitary products were “non-essential” and so could not be sold due to new Welsh lockdown measures.
On Sunday, First Minister Mark Drakeford said grocery retailers have “discretion” over the ban on selling non-essential items during Wales’ firebreak lockdown.
However, today customers seeking period products in St Mellons, Cardiff, said they found the pharmaceuticals area of their local Tesco blocked off.
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“I’m literally raging and in tears @Tesco how the hell is beer essential and PERIOD PRODUCTS are non-essential… this is RIDICULOUS,” tweeted @nicholasmith6.
When another customer sent a tweet to the Big 4 retailer about the issue, it responded: “We understand how frustrating these changes will be for our Welsh customers.
“However, we have been told by the Welsh Government not to sell these items for the duration of the firebreak lockdown.”
The Welsh Government later corrected Tesco, tweeting: “This is wrong – period products are essential.
“Supermarkets can still sell items that can be sold in pharmacies.
“Only selling essential items during firebreak is to discourage spending more time than necessary in shops. It should not stop you accessing items that you need.”
Tesco has now apologised, adding that the issue was localised to one store and has been rectified.
It also said the pharmaceuticals area of the St Mellons store was actually cordoned off due to a break-in.
South Wales Police said officers are investigating a burglary at the supermarket in which £20,000 of beauty products, including make-up, electric toothbrushes and razors, were stolen between 2.30am and 4.30am on Monday.
“Of course sanitary products are essential items and are available to customers in all of our stores, including those in Wales,” a Tesco spokesman said.
“Due to a break-in, this area was closed temporarily in one store for a police investigation, but is now open again.
“The reply to this customer, which implied these products were non-essential, was sent by mistake and we’re very sorry for any confusion caused.”
The new restrictions in Wales, which began at 6pm on Friday and will end on November 9, mean non-essential retail including fashion and furniture stores must close.
Shops selling multiple types of product can stay open but can only sell essential items – which according to the Welsh Government’s website also includes those “which would normally be sold in pharmacies and chemists”.
Welsh health minister Vaughan Gething told a press conference in Cardiff: “I was very saddened to see this particular exchange on social media this morning from a supermarket telling a woman she could not buy period products. This is simply wrong.
“It’s an incorrect reading of the regulations and the guidance. I am very sorry that this woman was given this information.
“Supermarkets are open and trading as are many other shops and are able to sell the wide range of everyday items that we all need.”
Welsh Conservative health spokesman Andrew RT Davies said the confusion was the result of a “barmy ban” by the Welsh Labour Government that should be stopped.
“No woman should be put through such an experience and sadly this chaos and confusion is a direct result of the Welsh Labour Government’s barmy ban on non-essential retail,” he said.
“This ludicrous policy has caused real anger and it’s not fair on staff working in our supermarkets and the general Welsh public who are now at their wits’ end with Labour ministers.
“The Welsh Labour Government has rushed out a policy that was not even understood by the country’s largest supermarket and that’s the fault of the First Minister and his colleagues.
“This ban must be dropped today.”
with PA Wires
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