Tesco stores in Wales are facing backlash for classing period products, such as sanitary pads, as non-essential items during the country's current coronavirus lockdown. Many angry customers pointed out that other products, such as alcohol, were still available to purchase. Photos of feminine care aisles being taped off in stores have been circulating on social media, along with sealed off baby clothes next to an open crate of vodka (which was not restricted).

Following her disappointing in-store experience, once Tesco shopper tweeted "Tesco can you explain why I was told today that I can't buy PERIOD PADS as I'm sure they're essential to women?!!! But I can buy alcohol. It doesn't make sense."

The supermarket giant promptly responded explaining that the decision was out of their hands, saying they were only following instructions given by the Welsh government, who have put the country back into a strict lockdown in an effort to control the spread of COVID 19: "Hi Katie. We understand how frustrating these changes will be for our Welsh customers. However we have been told by the Welsh government not to sell these items for the duration of the firebreak lockdown – Regards, Raza".

However, they later deleted the tweet and apologised after the Welsh Government said their stance was incorrect. The BBC report that ministers are now set to review the controversial policy.

The original shocking interaction was shared by fellow Twitter user, Stephen Canning (@EssexCanning):

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Another user, @NicolaSmith6, shared images of the sanitary products aisle being taped off, along with a message of frustration, "I’m literally raging & in tears @Tesco how the hell is beer essential and PERIOD PRODUCTS are non-essential! This is RIDICULOUS #walesinlockdown #coronavirus."

This isn't the first time the supermarket has been criticised over their decision as to what should be classed as an essential, or non-essential, item either. A Channel 4 correspondent, Ciaran Jenkins, shared the below photo of baby clothes and vodka, captioning it, "Not essential: Baby Clothes. Essential: Vodka (bottom right)."

Others have posted saying that books have been withdrawn from sale. User Edd Sirr said, "Books are banned in Wales. @Tesco can you explain why these are ‘not essential?’ They are VAT exempt as they are deemed essential by the UK Govt?"

Let's hope the policy review clears things up swiftly...

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Headshot of Jennifer Savin
Jennifer Savin
Features Editor

 Jennifer Savin is Cosmopolitan UK's multiple award-winning Features Editor, who was crowned Digital Journalist of the Year for her work tackling the issues most important to young women. She regularly covers breaking news, cultural trends, health, the royals and more, using her esteemed connections to access the best experts along the way. She's grilled everyone from high-profile politicians to A-list celebrities, and has sensitively interviewed hundreds of people about their real life stories. In addition to this, Jennifer is widely known for her own undercover investigations and campaign work, which includes successfully petitioning the government for change around topics like abortion rights and image-based sexual abuse. Jennifer is also a published author, documentary consultant (helping to create BBC’s Deepfake Porn: Could You Be Next?) and a patron for Y.E.S. (a youth services charity). Alongside Cosmopolitan, Jennifer has written for The Times, Women’s Health, ELLE and numerous other publications, appeared on podcasts, and spoken on (and hosted) panels for the Women of the World Festival, the University of Manchester and more. In her spare time, Jennifer is a big fan of lipstick, leopard print and over-ordering at dinner. Follow Jennifer on Instagram, X or LinkedIn.