Tesco has made many alterations to the Quinnsworth/Crazy Prices operations since its acquisition of the Irish supermarket chain. But Maurice Pratt and his team are unlikely to follow the lead of Tesco's branch in Hastings.

The aforementioned English outlet is considering introducing naked shopping in the shape of a special nude shopping evening. The initiative is being examined following demands from local naturists who would be able to roam the aisles au naturel on a designated evening following the store's normal 10 p.m. closing time.

A Tesco spokesman told the Guardian this week that the request was made by the Hastings branch of the Central Council for British Naturism (CCBN) two weeks ago, and was being treated seriously.

However, health and safety rules could be an obstacle to the proposal. According to Tesco, a major concern is the risk of bodily contact with fruit and vegetables on display. As a result health and safety experts at the store's headquarters were recommending fresh produce be pre-packed.

If the plan gets the go-ahead, staff who volunteered to work the nude shift would be paid at time-and-a-half and allowed to remain clothed.