Boots in Newport faces potential closure after failing to abide by coronavirus regulations

A Boots store in Newport Retail Park is facing potential closure after it was issued with improvement notices for not adhering to the coronavirus regulations set out by the Welsh government.

During an inspection by a member of Newport council’s enforcement team on Wednesday (Jan 27) the pharmacy on Spytty Road was found not to have taken adequate measures to control customer access to non-essential items in the store.

The pharmacy got the notice because it was found not to have put necessary measures in place “to control customer access to restricted goods within the store”.

Under the current Welsh government coronavirus guidelines, only essential items may be sold in stores across the country while non-essential items should be separated "where it is reasonably practicable".

The shop was also found to have inadequate signage related to the guidelines throughout the store. It now has a five-day deadline to make the necessary changes.

A further inspection in five days will decide the fate of the pharmacy as Newport council  has the option to issue a closure notice if the pharmacy is found to have failed to comply with government regulations.