Appalled at the email I just received!

[PoptartPoptart]

I just received an email from my local Squires Garden Centre saying that their cafe is open as usual and basically encouraging everyone to go along to have a coffee and a look at the plants!
Am I alone in thinking this is bloody irresponsible?
A lot of their clientele will be over 70 and the government advice is for this age group to be socially distancing themselves from public places, not sitting in a bloody cafe that will probably also be frequented by mums and young children. Actually, the government advice is for everyone to avoid public places unless essential.
I honestly can’t believe they are using their email distribution list to encourage people to go along in direct contrast with the official advice.

That is irresponsible I think I hot that but didn't read it.
They know their age range of visitors mothers with very young children and the elderly

it is both irresponsible and heartbreaking - I know the need business but trying to drag in customers isn't on

they need to offer online digital vouchers and adapt for a bit so we can support remotely - lots of businesses need to do this

Very badly timed.

One thing to pop in now (before it gets worse) to get any vegetable seeds you still need, plus allotment supplies if you are a lucky beggar who has one.

Quite another to encourage use of the cafe.

People might want to do more with their gardens if they are at home with time on their hands.

They should be encouraging delivery options (online, paper catalogue, phone order) or create a collection service

My friend works in a garden centre during the off season, and as a freelance gardener the rest of the year.
The garden centre he works in (he's in Bristol, not sure of the exact location of the garden centre) has been closed for the foreseeable future.
He's started gardening again as he won't have any other income. Most of his customers are elderly and have health conditions (hence the need for someone to do their gardens). He's been giving them advice (at a safe distance) and making sure they're keeping safe and well. He's an ex care nurse so he knows what he's doing. He's also a carer for his dad who is in his 80s so he needs to be responsible and keep himself safe too.
lt's utterly irresponsible to encourage (especially elderly) people to go and sit in a garden centre café in the current situation. My friend and l used to go to the one near where l work and lt's like Cocoon in there. Most of the time we were the only two under 65.

Wow! They must be living in a parallel universe.

Well judging by the age group I was surrounded by in M&S a little while ago, I don't think many over 70's need the encouragement.

One thing to pop in now (before it gets worse) to get any vegetable seeds you still need, plus allotment supplies if you are a lucky beggar who has one.
Yes. I've just ordered my seeds online, as DD has just come back from university, and we are self isolating just in case. She had a CV case in her block. I just hope they come ok through the post.

I've seen several local cafes post similar on Facebook. I also got an email from Zizzi a few days ago encouraging people to still go, but they have since said that they are closing.

I had an email from ASK, to say they were closing all their restaurants.

Our local pub is constantly exhorting people via Facebook to 'drop in for a pint/chips/coffee while off work'.

I'm going to have to say something. Was hoping someone bossier would leap in first.

Our local tourist organisation is sharing posts on social media of all the local hotels, bars and restaurants that are open, what amazing offers they have in and even a suggested itinerary to follow for a day out in the city.

Really, really irresponsible by the tourist board and the individual businesses as this goes against all the social distancing advice.

A new café is supposed to be opening at the weekend, they are opening tomorrow instead for breakfast and encouraging people in. Feel very sorry for them that this has happened, it couldn't be a worse time to start a business but I'm hoping people stay away - for all our sakes.

I have asthma. I’m not going to shops or anywhere else with people. I have been for a walk round the harbour with no one else around

I’m not seeing my family, or going to my exercise classes. I will go out for walks in quiet places, because there are several here. I’ll try online exercise and I will be bored. But I think it’s silly to put yourself and others at unnecessary risk.

Don’t these businesses get why people are off work? Why schools are closed? Why only essential businesses and services are supposed to remain open? Which bit of social distancing don’t they understand?
I honestly can’t get my head around why some think it doesn’t apply to them or their businesses.

I was in a branch of Squires this morning. Am young (ish) and hopefully healthy and had something to get that wasn't essential but important. I couldn't believe my eyes. At least 80% of the people there were >70. Social Distancing? Not a chance. Do they think they are immune? Do they simply not care and are taking a spin on the Russian Roulette? I made my purchase quickly and left them all to it . . . . .

I got an email from a local beautician on phorest asking me to make the most of the school closures and get the kids ear pierced!! Unbelievable!

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Why are people still surprised that businesses are staying open? They’re businesses. Of course their priorities money. The majority of pubs/cafes by mine have now put offers and deals on to encourage people in. Until we lockdown, it’s still up to the individuals to put themselves at risk or not

I went to our garden centre today to buy dog food and it was empty. Normally at lunchtime the car park would be full but there were maybe 5-10 cars there and all seemed to be mums and toddlers looking at the fish.

They think they will shut next week and offer pet food delivery instead.

They are desperate for trade as you would be its up to the individual we are not on lockdown.

@Confuddledtown that’s horrendous!

That's odd.

Two garden centres near where I live are now offering a telephone ordering service for veg plants, compost, seeds etc and free local delivery for people who are unable to visit. They are still open but have closed their cafes.

I understand they're worried about their business, but a local restaurant was doing this. They had regulars who said they fall into the vulnerable category saying they were still coming, and they were openly egging them on. I wouldn't go there now, and I won't be going there again when all of this is over.

I've seen so many of these and it's so frustrating.

One popped up on FB yesterday encouraging people to come to a Mexican night and when they posted a photo of what was on offer, all the dishes were on a table and it was a 'help yourself' style evening (fill a plate type of thing). I just don't understand who would want to share food dishes right now.

Another was a cafe encouraging people who were working from home to come to the cafe and work from there!

For god's sake, people are WFH because they're limiting contact not to sip lattes in a cafe with a bunch of other people!