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Sainsbury’s becomes second supermarket to enforce use of masks in-store
Sainsbury’s said they will be challenging those not wearing masks
Sainsbury’s has now confirmed it will start challenging those not wearing masks or those shopping in groups.
Morrisons confirmed yesterday that they will not allow shoppers who refuse to wear a mask inside, unless they are medically exempt.
Sainsbury’s has also said they will be challenging those not wearing masks.
It comes after Vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi said the government is ‘concerned’ shops are not enforcing rules strictly enough.
Speaking to Sky News, Mr Zahawi said: “Ultimately, the most important thing to do now is to make sure that actually enforcement – and of course the compliance with the rules – when people are going into supermarkets are being adhered to.”
Adding: “We need to make sure people actually wear masks and follow the one-way system.”
Morrisons’ chief executive, David Potts, said: “Those who are offered a face covering and decline to wear one won’t be allowed to shop at Morrisons unless they are medically exempt.
“Our store colleagues are working hard to feed you and your family, please be kind.”
Following the statement from Morrisons, Sainsbury’s confirmed they will be putting trained security guards at the front of the stores to challenge shoppers who do not comply with the mask rule.
Chief executive, Simon Roberts said: “I’ve spent a lot of time in our stores reviewing the latest situation over the last few days and on behalf of all my colleagues, I am asking our customers to help us keep everyone safe.
“The vast majority of customers are shopping safely, but I have also seen some customers trying to shop without a mask and shopping in larger family groups.
“Please help us to keep all our colleagues and customers safe by always wearing a mask and by shopping alone. Everyone’s care and consideration matters now more than ever.”
Wearing face coverings in supermarkets and shops is compulsory across the UK, and can land you a £200 fine for not complying in England, and a £60 fine in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. The enforcement of these rules falls to the responsibility of the police, not retailers.
Retail industry bodies have explained that workers have faced an increase in violence and abuse when asking shoppers to wear face masks.
Andrew Opie, director of food and sustainability at the British Retail Consortium, explained: “Supermarkets continue to follow all safety guidance and customers should be reassured that supermarkets are Covid-secure and safe to visit during lockdown and beyond.
“Customers should play their part too by following in-store signage and being considerate to staff and fellow shoppers.”
While supermarkets introduced social distancing measures, including plastic screens at tills and marshals to ensure rules were being followed, some believe there is a ‘lack of visible protections’ being implemented in recent weeks as the nation enters its third lockdown.
Mark Drakeford, First Minister of Wales, explained on Saturday that he wanted to see more enforcement of these rules from the police.
He said: “Given the fact the new variant is so much easier to catch… we are looking at supermarkets and other places where people leave their homes, to make sure they are organised in a way that keeps their staff and customers safe.”
Shop workers’ union USDAW are also calling for more stringent measures again as ‘too many customers are not following necessary safety measures’.
The union’s general secretary, Paddy Lillis, said: “It is going to take some time to roll out the vaccine and we cannot afford to be complacent in the meantime, particularly with a new strain sweeping the nation.”
You can read the most recent updates in the major supermarkets here.