Off Licences, public loos and credit unions added to list of coronavirus essential shops that can stay open

OFF Licences, public loos and credit unions have been added to the list of essential premises that can remain open during the coronavirus lockdown.

The list was updated late night to clarify which businesses may remain after Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Monday night that all non-essential shops would close.

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Other additions include short-term credit providers, cash points and car rental services.

Mr Johnson had already announced that supermarkets, pharmacists, pet shops, hardware stores and newsagents were allowed to say open in an unprecedented high street shutdown.

Banks and post offices will also stay open so the vital services they run can continue to be delivered.

Brits have been ordered to stay home to stop the spread of the deadly bug and are not allowed to go out unless it’s for one of four reasons.

Either to travel to essential work, medical reasons, to buy food or supplies or to exercise.

He added: “You should not be going shopping except for essentials like food and medicine — and you should do this as little as you can. And use food delivery services where you can.

“If you don’t follow the rules the police will have the powers to enforce them, including through fines and dispersing gatherings.”

The Prime Minister said the rules would be reviewed in three weeks.

You can find the full list of premises that have been ordered to close on the GOV.UK website.

While some shops are allowed to stay open – such as hardware stores – many have chosen to stay closed.

For example, B&Q was closed yesterday and only opened today to process click and collect orders.

Pet shops are also allowed to stay open – but some retailers like Pets at Home are operating reduced hours.