Not a single fine issued by PSNI for breaches of face mask rules
THE PSNI has not fined a single person who has failed to wear a face mask in a shop — one week after the controversial rule was introduced.
Retailers and staff insisted last week that they were not responsible for enforcing the regulation, which came into force last Monday, while the PSNI said it would “only use enforcement as a last resort”.
Policing Board member Mervyn Storey felt that the public wants to see the rule enforced but it is unclear as to who should be taking the lead.
Prior to the rule’s introduction, the Department of Health said it was expected that businesses would help encourage compliance.
However, responsibility for imposing possible fines of £60 for non-compliance rests with the PSNI.
Executive guidance also warned shoppers not to challenge anyone who fails to cover up.
The PSNI said refusing to wear a mask was not an arrestable offence, and that it would instead “engage, explain and encourage people to make the right choices and this includes the mandatory wearing of face coverings”, while enforcement “will be a last resort”.
It stressed that “primary responsibility for ensuring compliance” lies with businesses.
The PSNI confirmed yesterday that no one has been fined for flouting the regulation but declined to comment further.
DUP MLA Mr Storey felt that the PSNI was trying to be “pragmatic” in its stance over enforcement.
Shoppers out and about in Portstewart and (inset) our front page on August 8
“Shopkeepers don’t want to have the responsibility to be the individuals who are seen to be enforcing this or demanding that this is the case,” he said.
“The police are trying to — as they have done in the past — take a position of encouraging people to abide by this.
“Unfortunately, we get ourselves into the position where it could end up in the courts because
someone could challenge the particular fine in relation to this.
“You then have to ask if there is enough evidence and is it in the public interest.
“Those are the two criteria that will determine any issue that would go to court.”
Meanwhile, SDLP Assembly member Daniel Mccrossan criticised those responsible for painting anti-face mask graffiti on a wall in Strabane, telling them to “wise up”.
The graffiti stated: “No new normal #Nomasktyranny #KBF [Keep Britain Free].”
Posting a picture of the graffiti, Mr Mccrossan said that while he supports anyone’s right to protest, he cannot support “mindless vandalism of public property which blights our town”.
“Whoever did this — wise up,” continued the West Tyrone MLA.
“Protest if you like but don’t vandalise or blight our town.
“I’m sure the person(s) responsible wouldn’t want this sprayed across the front of their house.
“Masks are there to help prevent the spread of the virus.
“As for the KBF hashtag — I’ll say nothing.”
CELTIC boss Neil Lennon has expressed disappointment at the Parkhead club being charged after player Boli Bolingoli breached coronavirus protocols.
Celtic face disciplinary proceedings at the hands of the Scottish Professional Football League after the Hoops defender played against Kilmarnock despite not quarantining after a secret trip to Spain.
Bolingoli will also face disciplinary procedures by the Scottish Football Association, while Aberdeen and eight of their players will also face charges for breaching guidelines.
Asked how he felt about the club being charged for Bolingoli’s transgression, Lurgan native Lennon (right) said: “Disappointed for the club. I think we have been at the forefront of getting the game up and running.
“All the procedures, all the protocols, and it is down to the actions of one individual really.
“But we will hold our hands up, if we are accountable, we will have to accept that, take it and move on.
“What we don’t want is the game to shut down again or any sort of mishaps, if you want to call it that.
“Two clubs, Aberdeen and ourselves, embroiled in this.
“I think it is unfortunate from my point of view as a manager, the majority of the players here and the staff and people at the club have worked really hard, tirelessly, so we will try to set the highest standards we can.”
On the future of Bolingoli, Lennon stated that there had been “no conclusion as of yet but there will be”. Celtic had two matches postponed as a result of the Belgian’s actions.