Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Face mask rules welcomed - but how will they be enforced?
Questions raised over how mandatory use of coverings will be policed
Face coverings will be mandatory in stores from next week leaving some city shop owners with concerns over how the rule will be enforced.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced on Monday that as of July 24, it will be compulsory for all shoppers to wear masks in a bid to curb the spread of Covid-19, while anyone failing to comply could face a £100 fine. Canterbury traders have largely embraced the decision as a positive move for staff and customers, while some have questioned how police will manage the situation if people flout the rules.
Emma Davis, artist and founder of Walrus & Oyster Emporium, said: “I think it’s a massive burden on the police I don’t know how they’re going to manage that. You’ve got hundreds of shops in any town, city. “We’ve not been letting anyone in without using hand gel, and now we’re providing free masks.
“If they say ‘I’m not wearing that’, they can’t come in. We’ve got to uphold the legislation.” But she is positive about the impact the move will have upon trade.
“I think it’s going to make people who were maybe too nervous to come out and shop feel a bit safer,” she said. “And we’ve got to protect our volunteers.” Mark Donnelly, co-owner of Burgate porcelain shop The Chinaman, is in two minds about the new rule.
“It’s quite a difficult one,” he said. “A lot of people feel very uncomfortable with wearing masks. We’re hearing stories that some people might be put off going to shops because of it. “But on the other side you’ve got health and safety.
“It sounds very much like the police have got other fish to fry at the minute, so let’s hope everyone’s sensible. It’ll make it a lot easier for all of us.” Jon Brenton, owner of Wrapped! welcomes the news, adding that the majority of his customers are already wearing face masks.
He said: “We’ve shown how adaptable we are during lockdown, and people will adapt to this. There will be some people who don’t wear them, and we’ll just politely point out we have them for sale. If they won’t wear one, we’ll just have to say ‘we won’t serve you’.”
Olivia Stewart-stead, manager of Fitzgerald Jewellers, added: “I think it’s brilliant. I think a blanket rule for everyone’s going to make it easier.”
Martin Hewitt, Chair of the
National Police Chiefs’ Council, revealed police had been “unaware” of the plans before they were announced on Monday. But he added: “We have the time to work closely with the Home Office, retailers and trade bodies on the implementation of new regulations on the wearing of face coverings in shops.” Kent Police say they are not yet sure what their role will be in enforcing the rule.
Ch Spt Mark Nottage said: “Our approach to policing the coronavirus regulations has not changed since they were first introduced, with officers continuing to engage, explain and encourage people to comply, with enforcement only used as a last resort.
“We are currently awaiting guidance from the National Police Chiefs’ Council with regards to the new legislation around the compulsory wearing of face coverings in shops and supermarkets, and the role our officers will play.”