ADVICE
GUIDELINES
Do customers and staff now have to wear face coverings in dealerships? T
he subject of face coverings has been spoken about since the start of lockdown – and they became mandatory in retail spaces in England on July 24, with subsequent amendments. It followed Scotland’s lead, where it’s been the law since July 10, but there have been conflicting messages from the government relating to the measures for England, with the full guidance only being published less than 12 hours before they came into force. But do dealers come under the guidelines? Here, we clear up the confusion for you in this guide.
What is the new guidance?
In England, from Friday, July 24, members of the public have to wear face coverings – for example, a fabric covering, scarf, bandana or mask – that covers the nose and mouth in enclosed public and retail spaces. Anyone caught not sticking to the rules will be liable to a £100 fine from the police.
Are dealerships regarded as retail spaces?
Just like guidelines surrounding local lockdowns, dealers aren’t mentioned specifically as being a shop or a retail space, but it’s implied they are.
This is confusing, right?
Just a bit. Until the morning of July 23, the government was facing intense criticism for not being clear with the new guidance, specifically around sandwich shops. Until Thursday, July 23, it was thought that because people pop into a sandwich shop and don’t stay for any length of time they were exempt. But as of 9am on July 23, the government confirmed that sandwich shops were included as they’re a ‘retail space’ just like a car showroom. It finally issued the full guidance later the same day – less than 12 hours before it came into force.
So, do customers have to wear face coverings?
Yes, they do – unless they’re exempt. The wearing of face masks is designed to offer protection to the wearer and all those around them, so face coverings are now mandatory in dealership showrooms. Following earlier prohibitions, the new guidance explicitly states: ‘Face coverings will be mandatory in additional enclosed public spaces.’ So, as a showroom is an enclosed public space, it’s safe to assume that it falls under the new rules, therefore customers must wear a face covering. Secondly, as rightly pointed out by one motor trade organisation, since many dealers have been arguing that they are retail premises for the purpose of gaining business rate relief and coronavirus grants, it’s very likely the government will use the same definition 54 | CarDealerMag.co.uk
Are all retail spaces affected? No. A face covering isn’t mandatory in some venues. However, the rules have been changing and will no doubt continue to do so for the foreseeable future – for example, to start with they weren’t mandatory in cinemas or hairdressers but then the government said that they must be worn there. The rules also differ in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. For the latest information concerning each nation, click on the links. People can also remove them under certain circumstances, eg, if asked to do so in a bank, post office or building society for identification, or once they are getting a haircut.
Information here is correct at the time of publication but in the current climate may change at any time. For the latest updates, visit our website at cardealermagazine.co.uk and gov.uk/coronavirus
