Warning over enforcement of face mask rules
IT is not possible for the PSNI to ensure “full compliance” with new regulations that mean people must wear face coverings in shops from today, it has been warned.
Those who do not comply could face a fine of up to £60, with the Executive insisting that responsibility for enforcement lies with police.
However, the PSNI has said it will not lead enforcement, and will be “engaging, explaining and encouraging people to make the right choices”.
And Police Federation chairman Mark Lindsay said that “it is an impossibility to have a police officer outside every shop in every city and every town to ensure there is full compliance”.
Retail NI, however, insists it is not up to traders or store staff to ensure customers comply with the rules.
IT will be impossible for the PSNI to ensure “full compliance” with new face covering regulations which come into force today in Northern Ireland, it has been warned.
Face coverings are now mandatory in shops and certain other retail premises here.
Anyone who does not cover up, without a reasonable excuse, could face a fine of up to £60, with the Executive insisting that responsibility for enforcement lies with police.
However, the PSNI has said officers will not lead enforcement, and will encourage people “to make the right choices”.
The Police Federation (PFNI), the body that represents rankand-file officers, also expressed caution, saying officers will rely on “gentle persuasion”.
PFNI chairman Mark Lindsay said while officers will be the “final bulwark” in enforcing the rules, retailers also have a “major part to play” in making the regulations “workable and effective”.
Assistant Chief Constable Alan Todd said yesterday that his officers will respond to any report made in relation to the enforcement of masks “appropriately and proportionately”.
The PSNI had previously said the “primary responsibility” of compliance lies with businesses.
Retail NI, however, insists that it is not up to traders or store staff to ensure customers comply with the rules.
In a joint statement, the Stormont Executive said: ““It is expected that businesses will encourage and promote compliance — to help protect customers and staff. We are grateful to retailers for their constructive work on promoting the benefits of face coverings
“We are confident most people will comply, but those who do not wear a face covering without a reasonable excuse risk being issued with a fixed penalty notice by the police.”
Meanwhile, the Chief Medical Officer and Chief Scientific Adviser have called for the public to abide by the new regulations and wear face coverings in shops and other indoor settings.
In a joint statement, Dr Michael Mcbride and
Prof Ian Young said: “Don’t be a droplet spreader. And when you are not wearing a face covering, cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze.”
Mr Lindsay said that while he expects most people to wear masks or face coverings, it cannot be left entirely with the PSNI to monitor compliance.
“It is not solely an issue for police officers. Yes, officers will be the final bulwark in enforcement, but retailers will also have a major part to play in making this mandatory instruction workable and effective,” he said.
“The vast majority of people will comply because they know the stakes couldn’t be higher. However, it is an impossibility to have a police officer outside every shop in every city and every town to ensure there is full compliance.”
He said society must play its role in following the new rule.
“The mandatory wearing of face masks is designed to stop the spread of this dreadful killer virus. It is for society to do all we can collectively to contain and, ultimately, subdue coronavirus,” Mr Lindsay added.
❝ Yes, police officers will be the final bulwark in enforcement but retailers will have to play a part
“Common sense and gentle persuasion will be infinitely more preferable than anything else.
“We should all remember why this order is being introduced and for all our sakes. I would appeal to the general public to help statutory agencies and retailers combat the virus.”
Policing Board member and Alliance MLA John Blair said it would be a “huge drain” on PSNI resources if officers were called to assist retailers dealing with difficult customers.
“I think the best thing is if people can try and achieve a sensible balance with this,” he said.
“That if people who aren’t complying are asked to comply on sight, as it were, then there may be a reason to ask the PSNI to assist. However, we have to be mindful this would be a huge drain on resources.”
He urged representatives of the retail and businesses sectors to engage with the PSNI further on the matter.
“All of us have been reminded recently with selective lockdowns in various locations that the pandemic is still a serious public health threat,” he said.
“And all of us, in whatever work we do, or whatever recre
ation we do, have a part to play in resisting the further spread of the pandemic.”
Retail NI chief executive Glyn Roberts said yesterday that shoppers are individually responsible for adhering to the rules.
“We have produced posters for our members to display in their stores, which encourages shoppers to comply with this law,” he said. “Retailers and their staff are not required to police or enforce the wearing of face coverings and it will be the individual responsibility of shoppers to comply with this law.
“We hope shoppers will show understanding and respect to each other and remind them that a significant number of people with a medical condition are exempt from wearing face covers.”
Mr Todd said: “As previously stated, enforcement of face masks is not specifically ‘an arrestable offence’ — however those who choose to breach the health regulations may be subject to a fine.
“We will continue to support compliance with the government regulations by engaging, explaining and encouraging people to make the right choices. We will only enforce where necessary.”