Municipalities will take tougher action against non-essential stores that are closed because of the lockdown, but still sell items. This is what Minister Grapperhaus of Justice and Security said after the weekly consultation with all security regions.
“We see that some retail outlets find it difficult to comply with the rules,” said Grapperhaus. In several municipalities, for example, entrepreneurs set up a stall with things in front of the door. That is not allowed, because according to Grapperhaus they do not have a license to sell anything.
Also, retailers are not allowed to let customers in one by one, says the mayor of Nijmegen Bruls, chairman of the Security Council. “That is not the intention.” Yet he and his colleagues saw this happening in several places. “In a number of places the rules are very creative.”
Mulled wine route
Entrepreneurs who sell coffee or a sandwich to go are allowed to remain open. “But the ‘mulled wine route’ is on the edge,” said Bruls. Here and there, outlets for the hot alcoholic drink attract many visitors. According to him, as a municipality you should ask yourself whether it is appropriate to allow something like this when it gets too busy.
At some wholesalers it was very busy last weekend. Bruls calls this “very undesirable”. It “does something to society” when the wholesalers are busy, while the shopping centers are empty, according to Bruls.
Minister Grapperhaus is going to see whether anything can be done about this pressure. As far as Bruls is concerned, the minister will make a decision on this this week.
Shops the may remain open include supermarkets, pharmacies and hearing care professionals.
–
