CITY businesses that have remained closed during a third national lockdown are ready to open, with help from the Salisbury Business Improvement District (BID).

From Monday, April 12, city centre businesses will be able to welcome back shoppers to their Covid secure premises.

The next step in the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown will permit all non-essential retail and personal care premises such as hairdressers and nail salons to open.

Hospitality venues will also be allowed to serve customers outside.

'Businesses can get through this tough time'

Over the last three months Salisbury BID has been preparing for the reopening of business and welcome return of visitors.

Among other things, there has been a city-wide Spring Clean, the bunting has been put up, and the BID has also produced a ‘Welcome Back Business Toolkit’.

The pack offers a range of downloadable posters and social media assets to welcome customers back and remind everyone of Covid guidance, from wearing masks to using hand sanitiser.

There is one clear message - #ExperienceSalisburyAgain.

Poster from the Welcome Back Business Toolkit

Poster from the Welcome Back Business Toolkit

Robin McGowan, Chief Executive of Salisbury BID, said: "April 12 is the date many non-essential businesses have been waiting for and Salisbury BID is reminding local residents and visitors that the city is open for business and Covid secure.

"With the Experience Salisbury brand launching soon we felt it was an ideal way to incorporate that into the welcome back message, because it really is time to #ExperienceSalisburyAgain. With the support of local residents, businesses can get through this tough time."

Retailers have invested a lot of time and money to make sure shops are safe for customers and staff.

They are following all Government safety guidance but customers are also reminded they have a part to play too.

Salisbury business owners are especially asking people to support them, and the community at large, by waiting outside if they see too many other customers already in the shop.

'This is a time to celebrate'

Other ways customers can help include:

• Maintain social distancing

• Follow all necessary hygiene measures - clean hands, cover face, make space

• Follow safety advice inside and outside shops - take notice of any guidance in shop windows as to how many customers are allowed at any one time

• Queue considerately and be patient

• Respect our hardworking shopworkers

• Try to avoid peak times

• Have contact details ready when visiting hospitality venues – it is now a Government requirement for venues to take contact information for ALL customers in a party

• Book in advance if possible, and always cancel bookings if they are no longer required

Dan Collins, Business Manager at Salisbury BID, said: “This is a time to celebrate. After three long months of lockdown many non-essential businesses will be able to open once again now that restrictions are easing.

"It is not the end, and we realise there is a long road to recovery for many businesses, but it finally feels like the end is in sight. Salisbury has 800 years of history and the message is: we are independent and strong.”

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