PREMIER Stores will close if locals keep showing up just to buy scratch cards and chocolate bars.

That was the blunt message issued on the Facebook page for the Lornshill Crescent and Medwyn Place branches.

In a statement published on the afternoon of Monday, March 30, a spokesperson for both shops said: "Please can all our customers only come for essentials.

"Whilst we encourage your service with us, at a time like this we must have our staff safety as our main priority.

"Please note it will only be one member per family permitted into the shop and please do not abuse our lives with visits to us, only for scratch cards, lottery, a bar [of] chocolate or some crisps.

"We have been permitted to remain open for essentials...These are not essential.

"We don't mind if you are buying milk and chocolate or a bigger shop as you are having your daily walk, but our staff are putting their lives at risk and we are trying our upmost to provide you all in the local community with essentials, such as fresh bread, rolls, milk, staple foods [and] toiletries.

"But we are now left feeling very vulnerable with many customers thinking a £1 scratch card is worth their life and the lives of other customers and our staff."

The statement concluded by warning that if shoppers' behaviour does not change, both shop branches will shut.

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While we have your attention, we also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide trusted local news on this free-to-read site, we are asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper every week. Trusted news has never been so important, and your support will ensure we can continue to serve Clackmannanshire.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you to help us provide you with trusted news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper.

We will be out every Wednesday, even if you can’t be. You can have a replica e-edition of the Advertiser on your PC, phone or tablet ready to read whenever you want. Just click the "E-Edition" tab under the Advertiser masthead on the homepage of this website.

Thank you for your support

Iain Smith
Regional Content Manager
Alloa Advertiser