Are DIY stores open in Tier 4? B&Q, Homebase and Wickes opening times revealed
MORE than three quarters of Brits have been plunged into tough Tier 4 restrictions recently - but what does it mean for hardware stores?
Under the tough new rules, those in the highest risk areas are essentially living in full lockdown.
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All non-essential shops have been forced to close, while restaurants and pubs will only be able to operate for takeaway only.
People must not leave their homes unless it's to exercise with a maximum of one other person, or to get to work because they can't do their job from home.
It comes after households were also banned from mixing for Christmas.
It's hoped the strict measures will curb the spread of a mutated Covid-19 virus that is believed to be 70% more transmissible.
As of today, a total of 44million people, or 78% of England, have been placed in Tier 4, while the rest of England is in Tier 3.
The Isles of Scilly is the only part of the country in Tier 1, while no areas are currently in Tier 2.
Remember though, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own local lockdown rules so it's worth checking local rules before heading out.
Here's what the new rules mean for DIY shops in Tier 4 in England:
Are DIY stores open in Tier 4?
DIY and hardware stores are allowed to stay open in Tier 4 areas of England as they are considered to be essential retailers.
B&Q, Homebase and Wickes have confirmed they will stay open in areas that have been placed under the strictest lockdown measures.
Full list of areas in Tier 4
HERE is the full list of areas in Tier 4.
East Midlands
- Derby and Derbyshire
- Leicester City and Leicestershire
- Lincolnshire
- Northamptonshire
- Nottingham and Nottinghamshire
East of England
- Bedford, Central Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes
- Cambridgeshire
- Essex, Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock
- Hertfordshire
- Norfolk
- Peterborough
- Suffolk
London
All 32 London boroughs plus City of London
North East
- North East (this area includes the local authorities of County Durham, Gateshead, South Tyneside and Sunderland)
- North of Tyne (this area includes the local authorities of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, North Tyneside and Northumberland)
- Tees Valley (this area includes the local authorities of Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland, and Stockton-on-Tees)
North West
- Cumbria
- Greater Manchester
- Lancashire, Blackburn with Darwen, and Blackpool
- Warrington and Cheshire Region
South East
- Berkshire
- Brighton and Hove, East Sussex and West Sussex
- Buckinghamshire
- Hampshire, Southampton and Portsmouth
- Isle of Wight
- Kent and Medway
- Oxfordshire
- Surrey
South West
- Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole
- Gloucestershire (Cheltenham, Cotswold, Forest of Dean, Gloucester City, Stroud and Tewkesbury)
- Somerset (Mendip, Sedgemoor, Somerset West and Taunton, and South Somerset)
- Swindon
West Midlands
- Birmingham, Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton
- Coventry
- Solihull
- Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent
- Warwickshire
But some stores may be operating shorter hours so it's worth checking the retailer's website to find out when your local branch will be open.
Opening hours will also be affected by the New Year bank holiday.
Customers will have to wear a face mask when inside a shop to help reduce the risk of spreading the virus.
When is B&Q open in Tier 4?
As an essential retailer, B&Q has said it will keep shops in areas where there is a local lockdown open, including those in parts of England in the Tier 4.
Customers will have to follow strict social distancing measures, including queuing outside stores at busy times, standing at least two metres away from the person in front.
Stores will continue to offer click and collect services and home delivery for those who prefer to shop online.
In general, B&Q stores will continue to operate normal opening hours which are typically between 7am and 8pm Monday to Saturday.
On Sundays, stores tend to open from 10am until 4pm but check ahead in case there are any local changes.
You can do this by .
B&Q closed all stores on December 25 and December 26 to give staff a well-earned break.
All stores will be open on the bank holiday on New Year's Day.
When is Homebase open in Tier 4?
Homebase stores remain open across the UK despite local restrictions, due to being an essential retailer.
Shoppers will have to follow the Covid-secure rules while in store, including social distancing and covering your mouth and nose.
Stores open from 9am until 6pm Monday through to Saturday and between 10am and 4pm on Sunday.
However, they may vary depending on the shops so it's worth before heading out.
You can still order goods online and use the click and collect services.
Shops closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, but then operated normal hours between December 27 and 30.
On December 31 today, stores will close early again at 4pm.
Stores will open on New Years Day between 10am and 4pm in England, Wales and Norther Ireland, but remain closed in Scotland.
Usual hours return to normal from Saturday January 2.
When is Wickes open in Tier 4?
Following the latest coronavirus restrictions, Wickes confirmed that its stores will stay open in Tier 4 areas.
However, the number of customers allowed in stores at the same time is limited to 30.
Click and collect is continuing like normal and showrooms are open too, but design appointments are only available virtually.
Shops open 8am until 8pm Monday to Friday, 8am until 6pm on Saturday and from 10am until 5pm on Sunday.
Over Christmas, stores closed early at 3pm on December 24 and stayed shut on Christmas Day.
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On Boxing Day, shops then opened at 10am until 4pm and between 8am until 6pm on December 27 and 28.
Stores will open at 10am and close at 4pm on January 1.
You can find your nearest Wickes stores and local opening hours using the .
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