I've been thinking a lot about these issues, which have really come into focus in this weird and concerning episode. "Consent of the governed" is extremely important here, because in "normal" circumstances people would not put up with guards making them wait outside a supermarket.

There are certain laws that are on the statute books that the authorities would never dare to enforce. For example, the law in the UK that mince pies must not be eaten on Christmas Day.

Until a weird time like this. Apparently local grocery shops in the UK were told to stop selling Easter eggs, as they are considered "non-essential items".