Face Coverings Mandatory in Shops from 24th July

FACE COVERINGS IN SHOPS

THE STEPS A BUSINESS SHOULD TAKE

From Friday 24^th July, it will be mandatory for members of the public to wear a face covering in shops and supermarkets.

A face covering is something which safely covers the nose and mouth. This may be a reusable or single use face covering; a scarf, bandana, religious garment or hand-made cloth covering but these must securely fit round the side of the face.

Although the Government have said that the police can enforce these measures and issue £100 fines (reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days), the police should only be called as a last resort.

Shops must enforce these rules themselves. To help shops with this The BID advise that the following steps be taken.

• Display a notice in the front of your store that says face coverings are mandatory. Place it in a prime position where it will be seen. Where possible, also place these notices in visible areas inside the store, including till points.
• If a customer tries to enter the store without a face covering, ask them politely to put one on.
• If they question why, politely explain to them that from 24^th July it is mandatory for all customers to wear a face covering in a shop.
• If the customer says they are exempt from wearing a face covering for medical reasons, they are allowed in without wearing a face covering. The same applies for those who say it will cause them distress, and for those who are providing assistance to someone who relies on lip reading to communicate.
• If the customer is not exempt from wearing a mask, ask them again politely but firmly to put on a face covering.
• If they refuse, again ask them politely to put on a face covering and explain they will not be allowed to enter the store if they do not wear one.

• Call a manager to assist in the refusal where necessary.

• If they refuse again, do not allow them entry to the store.

• If your store is part of a shopping centre, please ask their security teams for assistance if the customer refuses to leave.
• If you have a town link radio, report the customer to the shopping centres and/or CCTV so they can be monitored if necessary.
• If the customer becomes extremely verbally abusive or violent call 999. 999 should only be called as a last resort.

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