Supporting shops to reopen in Lewisham

Hundreds of shops that have been under lockdown in Lewisham for the past months will be celebrating after being advised that they can reopen from Sunday 15 June.

Shops and shopping centres across the borough are set to reopen this month once they are COVID-19 secure and can show customers will be kept safe.

The Borough’s outdoor markets and car showrooms already reopened on Monday 1 June, if they were able to meet the COVID-19 secure guidelines to protect shoppers and workers. The risk of transmission of the virus is lower in these outdoor and more open spaces.

All other non-essential retail including shops selling clothes, shoes, toys, all furniture stores, books, and electronics, tailors, auction houses, photography studios, and indoor markets, will be expected to be able to reopen from 15 June.

Councillor Joe Dromey, Cabinet Member for Culture, Jobs and Skills (job share), said:

“This is great news for businesses in Lewisham, who have been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic. Re-opening will help many local businesses get back on their feet; but it must be done in a way which is safe both for workers and for customers.

“Lewisham Council is committed to supporting local small businesses during these tough times. In the last 10 weeks, we’ve distributed over £36 million in grants to local small businesses. We will continue to work with local employers so that we can build back better after this crisis.”

Lewisham Council officers will be checking that safe systems are in place and supporting businesses to achieve this.