A Hastings sex toy store's decision to stay open during alert level 4 lockdown has puzzled many in the city, with some arguing it's sending out the wrong sort of vibes.
When Hawke's Bay Today visited Adult Selections on Heretaunga St West on Friday (for work purposes only), its door was open to customers, with a sign outside saying "be a devil, come inside".
A man working at the store declined to be in a photo or comment, and also hung up on a reporter who tried to call.
Entertainment and hobby products fall under the non-essential category of consumer items and are not listed as an alert level 4 business or service.
A spokesperson for The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment said workplaces can only open their premises for staff and/or customers as an alert level 4 business or service if they meet criteria defined in the Covid-19 Public Health Response (Alert Level Requirements) Order.
"The responsibility for compliance with the rules for operating at alert level 4 lies with businesses and individuals."
The spokesperson said if someone believes a business is not sticking to the rules, they can report it at www.covid19.govt.nz/alert-system/covid-19-compliance