Shop staff should not have to enforce mask rules, says ACS

The rule that masks must be worn in shops returned this morning and the ACS said that staff should not be made responsible for enforcing the law.

ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “We are helping retailers to prepare for the change in face-covering rules, but they are extremely concerned about abuse against their staff from customers who don’t want to wear a face-covering in a shop.

“We will continue to urge stores to communicate the rules, but not to challenge those who refuse to abide by them.”

Regulations now say that customers will be required to wear a face-covering unless they are exempt for medical reasons.

Staff are also required to wear a face-covering in customer-facing areas, such as the shop floor, but they are also allowed medical exemptions.

As was the case when restrictions were in force earlier in the pandemic, retailers are required to communicate the rules on face coverings to customers using signs in stores.

Retailers will have the right to refuse entry to customers who won’t wear a face covering, but are not responsible for enforcement.

Fixed penalty notices for non-compliance will be £200, doubling per additional offence.

The regulations will expire on 20 December, subject to review.