When stores reopened in the UK last month, it was encouraging to see decent footfall; however, one also witnessed several shoppers wary of using masks despite instructions from the Government.
It was only last week the US-based National Retail Federation (NRF) had urged US retailers to adopt a nationwide policy to make mask wearing mandatory for shoppers following which many US stalwarts like Walmart and Target went hard on shoppers who were not wearing masks.
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It’s the same problem in England. The British Retail Consortium (BRC) too has been urging the Government to immediately publish regulations on face coverings in England, after it has become mandatory for shoppers to wear masks in the country with effect from today (24 July).
And it’s finally happened with the full guidance on wearing face covering in stores in England being released today morning. The coverings are now mandatory in all enclosed public spaces that include supermarkets and indoor shopping malls, among others.
The Government had previously made it clear that those who would be flouting the rules could face a penalty of £100; exception is only for children and those having health issues.
Several fashion retailers in England too have been facing the issue of shoppers not wearing masks, but now with the guidelines released, one can see some significant changes.
The new guidelines also give right to police to use force to remove customers from stores if they do not wear masks, though it could be the last resort.
Importantly, customers will have to change themselves for good.
The BRC adds “Our shopping experience is changing, and we ask customers to be respectful and considerate as the new rules come into force.”
Founded in 2002, BRC is a trade association in the UK that campaigns for the retail sector and is the authoritative voice of retail industry.
