Supermarket chain sainsbury’s has revealed that they won’t challenge shoppers who aren’t wearing a mask when in the store.
Masks will be mandatory in shops from Friday.
Rules that force shoppers to wear masks will be in place from tomorrow July 24th, with Police given powers to issue £100 fines to those who don’t comply. However, Sainsbury’s has announced on twitter that they aren’t going to approach customers who aren’t wearing a mask and ask them why they don’t have one on.
Responding to a question from a Twitter user, Sainsbury’s replied: “We won’t be challenging customers without a mask when they enter or when they are in store since they may have a reason not to wear a mask.”
Some valid reasons not to wear a mask when required to include any illness or condition, mental or physical, that causes the wear distress. Asthma, which is common, is one such condition.
It’s not clear how and when the police will enforce fines against shoppers not wearing masks, as they have openly said too they won’t be actively patrolling shops in search for those violating rules; they have more pressing matters to attend to.
But, another chain, Aldi, has openly addressed the mask situation, and said that from the 24th, its customers will be required to wear face masks. It didn’t speak about challenging customers however.
In an email, Aldi chief executive Giles Hurley said: “Last week, the Government announced that face coverings will be compulsory in shops in England from 24th July and, for that reason, you will need to wear a face covering to enter one of our stores from this date.
“Even as the country opens up again, I know many are concerned about safety and do not want the steps we are taking to move forward, to mean we take a step backwards in the fight against the virus.
“To those vulnerable customers, please rest assured that the measures we have introduced to give you safe access to affordable food, such as early opening times from Monday to Saturday, will continue and our home delivery grocery parcels are still available to purchase.
“It has been heartwarming to see customers remembering that not all disabilities and health conditions are visible, and being considerate of others who may not be able to socially distance or wear a mask.”
