Politicians have appealed for calm amid “crazy” scenes in Fife supermarkets this week.
Continued panic-buying, long queues and groups gathering to chat, despite strict Government advice, have caused anxiety and upset among shoppers and staff.
Sainsbury’s in Leven was forced to adopt a one in / one out policy after checkout operators were subjected to abuse when lines of waiting customers stretched to the back of the shop.
A number of other supermarkets have now adopted the same approach.
The Courier has also learned of claims a customer at a Kirkcaldy store coughed in a checkout operator’s face and told her he had coronavirus when she attempted to limit the number of items he was trying to buy.
Politicians have called on members of the public to behave responsibly to ensure everyone can get what they need in as calm a manner as possible.
Leven Labour councillor Colin Davidson said his local Sainsbury’s had been chaos on Wednesday.
“I walked out,” he said.
“It was crazy. There were about 50 people standing in every aisle and it was causing massive problems and raising anxiety levels,” he said.
“I really felt for the staff and I spoke to the manager and offered my support.
“I understand things have been put in place now and that’s to be welcomed but people need to show restraint so the wider community can benefit.”
Labour MSP Alex Rowley said panic-buying was making life much more difficult for key workers on the front line.
“We need our frontline workers in health, social care and indeed many public services to be able to access food and basic essentials,” he said.
“There is no need for bulk buying as the supply chains are all working.
“We really need people to calm down and stop making matters worse.
“We need people to come together, work together and act responsibly.”
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has previously warned against panic buying and urged people to be sensible as shelves were stripped bare in supermarkets across Scotland.
