Selling groceries to keep shop open during Shutdown

Andreanoodle

I work in a retail shop that sells gifts, no food at all. They are saying they are thinking to get in stock of bread, eggs and milk so they can stay open during lockdown but I think it could get them into trouble. Their reasoning is that places like the range and garden centres have done it so they can stay open so why not small shops too??? Is this legal? Obviously I'd be working there so also don't want to get in trouble. 

bradders1983

Why on earth would you get in trouble? It isnt your shop. In any case it sounds perfectly reasonable, if they are selling food as well.

Ebe_Scrooge

They'd have to make sure they comply with the appropriate H&S and Food Standards requirements for starters.  I suspect they may also need to be registered with the local council as a food retailer.  I get where they're coming from, but there's more to it than just stocking food items.

As an aside, you wouldn't be in trouble, it's down to the owners to make sure they're complying with the relevant legislation.

Jeremy535897

There will be legislation, but if it looks like the March legislation, I don't think a gift shop can get round the rules by stocking a few food items.

MoneySeeker1

It boils down to "Do you want your job - or don't you?" basically.

If you do - then keep quiet and sell those food items.

Barny1979

Would it be a change of use linked to the planning permission for the shop?

diggingdude

Sounds like they are trying to save your job and the business. Keep quiet and go with it, if they get in trouble you won't. 

Jeremy535897

Barny1979 said:

Would it be a change of use linked to the planning permission for the shop?

Just selling cold food is in class A1 with other retail.

Barny1979

Jeremy535897 said:

Barny1979 said:

Would it be a change of use linked to the planning permission for the shop?

Just selling cold food is in class A1 with other retail.

Cheers, couldn't remember if separate category

Grumpy_chap

As an employee, you are not responsible for management decisions.  If the management assess the shop can stay open by making changes, just go to work and be grateful for the full wage.

thepurplepixie

In my seaside town an ice cream shop continued all through lockdown, I think bread and milk would be more reasonable as a reason to remain open.