THE Government has added off-licences to the list of retailers allowed to stay open during the coronavirus pandemic.

The list was updated amid increasing reports supermarkets are selling out of some beers and wines.

The Government also announced it would grant drivers a six-month emergency MOT extension from March 30.

The list of essential retailers now includes “off-licences and licensed shops selling alcohol, including those within breweries”.

After strict new restrictions were brought in by government earlier this week, it issued a list of essential retailers that are allowed to stay open.

They include supermarkets and other food shops, pharmacies, off-licences including those within breweries, petrol stations, newsagents, bicycle shops, home and hardware stores.

They also include launderettes and dry cleaners, garages, pet shops, post offices and banks.