Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Retail trade can’t mask its opposition
Compulsory face coverings in shops will ‘hurt business’ Lidl adds taste of local Ulster made products
COMPULSORY wearing of face masks will negatively impact retail, two major business bodies claimed.
Retail NI and Belfast Chamber were reacting to expectations Health Minister Robin Swann is to announce coverings will become mandatory in shops in an effort to curb Covid-10.
Following a meeting with the First and Deputy First Ministers, the two groups said they would be willing to work with the Executive on a campaign to increase the voluntary wearing of face coverings but any law requiring masks in shops would severely impact already-struggling businesses.
Their statement said: “We made clear our concern that mandatory wearing could adversely affect trade and generate serious issues around enforcement.
“Slowly but surely our high streets and city centres are beginning to recover so it is essential we ensure nothing is done which would discourage shoppers from returning.”
Glynn Roberts, who heads up Retail NI, and Simon Hamilton, CEO of Belfast Chamber and former Stormont Economy Minister said the Executive needs to be careful when implementing new legislation on face masks.
They said while their members are “keen to continue to do all that they can to beat Covid-19, the retail sector is still fragile – we need to be careful that we don’t damage the recovery and all impacts of any decision on wearing face coverings must be carefully considered.”
The pair said they have impressed on the ministers the need for the establishment of a multi departmental High Streets Taskforce, working with councils and business to regenerate Northern Ireland high streets and city centres, rebuild our retail sector and to
plan for office-based workers to safely return to their place of work.
“Retail is our biggest employer and a major part of towns and cities across the region.
“It faces a huge number of challenges and we need to address those now so that our sector can continue to significantly contribute to our local economy.”
LIDL Northern Ireland is adding a new range of home-grown products from artisan food and drink suppliers across Northern Ireland. As part of the retailer’s Kick Start programme, the new lines will hit shelves in 202 stores from Monday. Pictured launching the campaign are Sean Morgan from Oh So Lean, Ciara Rafferty and Frank Foster, who are behind the Orchard Smokehouse range, Sarah Matson from Natural Umber and David Grant of The Little Meat Company.