Limits at the shops

Supermarkets in the South West moved to limit the number of customers in stores this week because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Restrictions on the number of customers allowed depended on the size of the store.

Dunsborough Coles enacted a limit of 200 customers in store.

Each store may revise this cap at a lower number dependant on staff.

The Times understands social distancing was often not observed in Capes supermarkets, with antisocial behaviour on the rise.

Coles chief executive Steven Cain said the measures were to ensure all customers followed social-distancing guidelines.

“Team members are at store entrances to provide assistance and let customers know when it is OK to come in. We ask that people follow their instructions and any signs in-store,” he said.

“We’ve also extended our regular trading hours to 7-10pm, to help customers shop when it’s most convenient. Late evenings are typically less busy.”