HTA updates lockdown advice for garden centres

The HTA has asked garden centres to respect the responsibility they have been given, as essential retailers, remaining open during the November Coronavirus lockdown.

James Clark, HTA Director of Policy and Communications, said: “Now that we have the Government regulations for this second period of lockdown we know for certain that concessions within garden centres must close, unless they are selling aquatic, pet or food items. 

“It also makes it clear food and drink can only be sold as take-away and that it must be consumed off the premises.”

Members have also been advised that Christmas grottos, ice rinks and other activities which are likely to cause crowding should not go ahead.

Chairman James Barnes said, “As an industry we need to respect the responsibility that we have been given.” 

“Our retail members might well see an increase in footfall on the back of this and it is essential to reinforce our responsibilities… on social distancing and to build on the really good examples of best practice out there on implementing protocols.”