Council makes it easier for supermarkets to restock

19 March 2020

Liverpool City Council will relax restrictions on delivery hours for local supermarkets to allow them to respond to increasing demand due to coronavirus.

Council will also make it easier for food premises to use footpaths to improve social distancing of patrons.

“This isn’t business as usual for anyone,” Liverpool Mayor Wendy Waller said. “Supermarkets are facing unprecedented challenges. Cafes and restaurants are struggling to survive.

“Council is closely following information from the Federal and NSW governments about coronavirus. The situation is changing rapidly and we are focused on reacting as quickly as possible in the interests of community wellbeing.

“I hope these measures will help supermarkets to cope better and ease the burden on staff dealing with upset customers. I urge everyone to please stop panic-buying and to treat all supermarket staff with respect.

“Our main focus is protecting the community, which is why we are relaxing restrictions on outdoor dining to make sure cafes and restaurants can offer appropriate social distancing for their customers.”

Council is contacting major supermarket chains including Coles, Woolworths, Aldi and IGA advising them that it will use its discretion and not enforce conditions on delivery hours for the next six months.

Local retailers will shortly be advised by Council about changes to rules about dining on footpaths, and how long these changes will apply for.

For all the latest information on Council’s response to coronavirus, see www.liverpool.nsw.gov.au/coronavirus.