More

    Retailers call for police help to enforce mask rules

    A shopper wearing a face mask or covering due to the COVID-19 pandemic, pushes a trolley past empty fruit and vegetable troughs inside an ASDA supermarket in Walthamstow in north east London on December 22, 2020. (Photo by TOLGA AKMEN/AFP via Getty Images)

    Retailers called on the police to help enforce the wearing of masks to limit the spread of COVID-19, with two of the biggest supermarkets saying on Monday they would challenge people who were flouting the rules.

    With infection numbers rising sharply, the UK government has expressed concern about the spread of the virus in supermarkets, with people breaching rules by not wearing masks while shopping in them.

    Non-essential retail, restaurants and bars are shut across Britain, leading to a high level of demand for supermarkets and other food stores.

    “People have got to follow the guidance in supermarkets, people need to be keeping their distance, making sure that they’re wearing masks, doing the right thing,” Prime Minister Boris Johnson told reporters.

    Morrisons Chief Executive David Potts said the supermarket was tightening the rules.

    “Those who are offered a face covering and decline to wear one won’t be allowed to shop at Morrisons unless they are medically exempt,” he said. “Our store colleagues are working hard to feed you and your family, please be kind.”

    Sainsbury’s later took similar action, saying it would deploy security guards to challenge people who were not wearing masks and ensure that people do not shop in groups.

    The British Retail Consortium (BRC) called for the police to do more after interventions by staff led to a sharp rise in incidents of abuse.

    “While enforcement of face coverings is the responsibility of the police, retailers continue to do what they can to encourage their use throughout stores,” Andrew Opie, the BRC’s director of food & sustainability, said.

    “Sadly, this has led to a sharp rise in incidents of violence and abuse against shop workers, which is why it is essential police support the work being done by retailers.”

    Opie also said that data from the government’s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies had highlighted that retail was a safe environment, and noted that firms had spent hundreds of millions of pounds on safety measures including perspex screens, additional cleaning and social distancing.

    “Supermarkets continue to follow all safety guidance and customers should be reassured that supermarkets are COVID-secure and safe to visit during lockdown and beyond,” he said.

    Latest

    Family-owned plant-based startup secures funding

    UK-based family-owned startup Shicken has raised £4 million in...

    KP Snacks launches new Tyrrells recycled plastic pack

    KP Snacks today announces the introduction of 25 per...

    Brew Dog delivers low ABV with new Cold Beer

    This summer, BrewDog is cooling down the beer aisle...

    Mangrove portfolio dominates at World Whiskies Awards 2024

    The independent distributor Mangrove’s world whisky portfolio recently cleared...

    Don't miss

    Family-owned plant-based startup secures funding

    UK-based family-owned startup Shicken has raised £4 million in...

    KP Snacks launches new Tyrrells recycled plastic pack

    KP Snacks today announces the introduction of 25 per...

    Brew Dog delivers low ABV with new Cold Beer

    This summer, BrewDog is cooling down the beer aisle...

    Mangrove portfolio dominates at World Whiskies Awards 2024

    The independent distributor Mangrove’s world whisky portfolio recently cleared...

    Co-op’s net zero targets validated global body

    Co-op has become the first UK convenience retailer to...

    Family-owned plant-based startup secures funding

    UK-based family-owned startup Shicken has raised £4 million in funds from Matthew Glover’s Veg Capital, which has tripled its investment in the plant-based meat...

    Co-op’s net zero targets validated global body

    Co-op has become the first UK convenience retailer to have its net zero targets validated by the globally recognised Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). According...

    Kitwave Group acquires 130-year-old delivered wholesaler

    Kitwave Group plc, the delivered wholesale business, has acquired Total Foodservice Solutions Limited, a leading independent food wholesaler in the North of England. Established over...