Non essential businesses, gyms and personal care will be opening from April 12^th seeing businesses including clothing stores, homeware, carpet stores, electronic goods and mobile phone shops back open once again. Joining them will be personal care facilities and close contact services that includes hair, beauty and nail salons, body and skin piercing services, tattoo studios and tanning salons.

Outdoor areas at hospitality venues (cafes, restaurants, bars, pubs, social clubs, including in member’s clubs) can also reopen, including for takeaway alcohol. These venues may allow customers to use toilets located inside. At any premises serving alcohol, customers will be required to order, be served and eat/drink while seated (“table service”).

Even with the easing of restrictions shoppers and those using outside hospitality are still required to follow the guidance of wearing masks and social distancing.  In Tameside we have had restrictions ever since the end of last summer and it will be vital that we follow the rules to prevent a further resurgence of infections locally.

In the last year businesses have invested heavily to make their premises safe to welcome customers with screens, social distancing and covid policies to reflect the changing shopper environment.  Wearing a face covering will still be required in shops even if you have received the vaccine.

Ashton Town Team said: “We know the last year has impacted on the way people shop and many of our businesses have adapted to operate in this new climate.  Some of our market traders introduced home delivery, some shops developed their online presence and most importantly the shops themselves are a safe environment.  Our businesses want to see you again and welcome you back safely.”

You can keep updated on local businesses in the town by visiting Ashton Town Team and Ashton Independent Retail on Facebook or online at www.ashtonsmallbiz.co.uk