Shop staff on the front line in enforcing masks law
Please wear a face mask – it’s the greeting at every shop you walk into.
But despite it still being law to wear one there are those who refuse to comply putting shopkeepers on the front line in an uncomfortable position.
While some may feel confident in enforcing the rules there are others working behind counters for whom it is a daunting situation and there has been reports of staff on the receiving end of abuse across the region.
Mark Hodgkiss, owner of Mode Menswear in Tettenhall, added: “As a business we have taken the decision to not challenge any customer who visits that is not wearing a face covering as we feel there are many personal reasons they may not be wearing one.
“We also do not want to put our team in uncomfortable or potentially challenging situations.
“We of course encourage use of our sanitiser station and also provide face masks and visors for our staff as safety is our top priority.”
Although traders are now seeing a boost in sales above pre-lockdown levels, there is a belief that the rule was enforced too late.
Mr Hodgkiss added: “Personally I feel the mask rule should have been in force since shops reopened rather than six weeks after we reopened as it feels like too little too late.
“That said we know we all need to play our part in combating Covid and will assist in doing whatever is required.
“I think customers are slowing getting used to the idea of shopping in a face covering. Hopefully we are getting through this tough situation and in the near future the rules on face covers can be relaxed.”
Guljinder Singh Bhandal, owner of Birchwood Store, on Wolverhampton Road, says it has not been a problem most of the time.
Mr Singh Bhandal said: “It hasn’t really affected the business, if I’m honest.
“We have been busy pretty much all the way through lockdown and, in the last three weeks, it’s been pretty much the same.
"When the customers come in here, they are already wearing a mask, and there have only been a few instances where people have argued, mostly younger people.
"Most of the time people are wearing a mask, but the ones who forget, we tell them to wear a mask next time.
“It’s mostly been a positive experience though and I think, going forward, people are going to continue wearing masks when they go out, so we will make the best of it.”
Those who fail to wear a mask could be fined up to £100, or £50 if they pay within 14 days, however, the rules are being enforced by the police, not shop workers, and only “as a last resort”.
