Everything you need to know about the UK’s new supermarket regulations and opening times

The major stores are introducing new rules to prevent stockpiling

Supermarket stockpiling at ASDA amid coronavirus crisis

by Carl Smith |
Updated on

It's happening, people; and there's very little we can do about it. Granola's like gold dust, Quavers are the new contraband and bagging a bog roll's borderline impossible.

Never did we think we'd find ourselves at war over Asda's last pack of Maris Pipers, but the coronavirus crisis has affected the world in some weird ways. The biggest impact on our day-to-day lives? Selfish supermarket stockpiling leaving shelves basically barren.

And with the major UK stores implementing new regulations to prevent customers from panic buying, we thought we'd update you as to what the likes of Asda, Tesco and Sainsbury's are doing to tackle the problem.

What can you actually buy?

The UK's new supermarket rules and opening times amid coronavirus crisis explained:

Gallery

Everything you need to know about the UK's new supermarket regulations and opening times

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Asda

Asda customers are now limited to buying three of any one product across all food items. Their service counters - including delicatessens and fish counters - are also closed. Asda home delivery drivers will now wear gloves and items will not be brought into your house by their staff.

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Tesco

Tesco has limited customers to two of any one product across their most popular items; including toilet roll, long-life milk and soap. They will also be closing all service counters and closing at 10pm to allow for restocking. Tesco ask customers able to opt for their click and collect service over home delivery to do so. They will also prioritise one hour every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning between 9-10am (except their Express stores), for the vulnerable and elderly.

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Sainsbury's

Sainsbury's is limiting customers to three of any one item and closing its service counters. As of next Monday (23rd March), the chain will prioritise customers over the age of 70 for home delivery slots.

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Iceland

Many Iceland branches across the country have set aside an early morning slot (8-9am) for the elderly and vulnerable. Contact your local store for more information.

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Morrision's

At Morrison's, you'll be limited to three of any one item and asking customers using their home delivery service to keep plastic bags rather than returning them.

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Aldi

Aldi does not offer a home delivery service, but have reassured customers that stock will be regularly replenished as them impose a four-units-per-product rule during each visit.

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Waitrose

The first opening hour of every Waitrose store is now set aside for the elderly or vulnerable; with a Waitrose's in-store cafes are now closed. A cap of three (or, in some cases, two) items per product now applies.

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Lidl

At Lidl, you'll be restricted to four of any one product.

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Ocado

Ocado home delivery service will be closed temporarily from Saturday 21st March due to unprecedented demand.

This all comes as Glastonbury Festival reluctantly cancels this year's event in light of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Releasing a statement announcing the news, organisers Michael and Emily Eavis said: "We are so sorry to announce this, but Glastonbury 2020 will have to be cancelled, and this will be an enforced fallow year for the Festival."

"Clearly this was not a course of action we hoped to take for our 50th anniversary event, but following the new government measures announced this week – and in times of such unprecedented uncertainty – this is now our only viable option."

"We are no longer able to spend the next three months with thousands of crew here on the farm, helping us with the enormous job of building the infrastructure and attractions needed to welcome more than 200,000 people to a temporary city in these fields."

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