C OV E R
COVI
IN-STORE
Masking a problem? The local retailing sector faces a fresh set of challenges as the legal requirement for customers to wear masks in-store is set to end across the UK.
W
hile the relaxing of Covid-19 restrictions A clear expectation about whether they can set across the UK over coming weeks is being policies on social distancing and face coverings, for greeted with relief from most quarters, the the safety of their customers and colleagues new rules are set to introduce fresh challenges for local retail High level support from government, making it clear ers. Among the most concerning is the forthcoming ending of that business policies should be respected and that abuse of shopworkers and others for implementing legal requirements for customers to wear face masks in-store. The rules will change at different dates across the UK but these policies will not be tolerated Clarity on whether the government sees adhering all legal requirements to wear face masks could be dropped in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland by the end to social distancing and wearing face coverings in of August. The Scottish Government has, however, suggested shops as ‘best practice’. that there “will still be some ongoing need for face coverings, for example on public ACS Chief Executive transport and in retail”. James Lowman said: “We There are clear indiare already hearing mixed cations that many local messages from the Prime retailers intend to keep Minister, other cabinet most if not all Covid members and advisors. Ja mes Lowman, ACS protection measures in If the public are being place in-store, beyond asked to act responsibly, the dates when restricspecifically what are they tions will be legally released or removed, for the clear and being asked to do? Can operations ranging from transport obvious benefit of both their staff and of customers who networks to local shops set policies on social distancing and remain concerned. wearing face coverings, are the government asking people to respect those policies or to exercise their own judgement, In England, the need to wear masks ends in just a couple of weeks’ time on 19 July, prompting the Association of Conand will the government support business in implementing venience Stores (ACS) to demand greater clarity and support these policies? from Westminster. “Our members will be faced with a group of customers who ACS has been attending meetings and engaging with offiare uneasy about the lack of restrictions, and a group who are cials across government, and says its members need: eager to move on from social distancing. We cannot support
“If the public are being asked to act responsibly, specifically what are they being asked to do?” –
10 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 63 / WEDNESDAY 7TH JULY 2021
