By James Simons-
Tesco has apologised for its error in preventing customers from buying sanitary products as part of new lockdown measures in Wales.
The error follows a discretionary ban from Wales Minister Mark Drakeford, who said that supermarkets have “discretion” over the ban on selling non-essential items during the nation’s firebreak lockdown.
Tesco went on to announce on Twitter that Welsh Government guidelines had meant they could not sell sanitary products.
The supermarket told a customer who sent a tweet to the company: “We understand how frustrating these changes will be for our Welsh customers.
“However, we have been told by the Welsh Government not to sell these items for the duration of the firebreak lockdown.”
The Welsh Government later corrected Tesco, tweeting: “This is wrong – period products are essential.
“Supermarkets can still sell items that can be sold in pharmacies.
“Only selling essential items during firebreak is to discourage spending more time than necessary in shops. It should not stop you accessing items that you need.”
The company issued an apologetic statement, saying:
“Of course sanitary products are essential items and are available to customers in all of our stores including those in Wales,” a Tesco spokesperson said.
“The reply to this customer was sent by mistake and we’re very sorry for any confusion caused.”
Shops selling multiple types of product can stay open but can only sell essential items – which according to the Welsh Government’s website also includes those “which would normally be sold in pharmacies and chemists”