Is Face Coverings In Shops Compulsory

[nailit]

Just been into my local corner shop (with mask on) and no other customers were wearing them.
Queried it with the shop assistant who told me that the owner had decided that he was leaving it up to the customers whether to wear one or not.
Also been reported in my local rag that many big name stores are refusing to 'police' customers who dont wear a face covering.

So is this thing *law* or simply guidline's with threat of a fine?
(And how can you be fined for dismissing a 'guidline'?
Thanks.

[iluvmargie]

Before 24 July I was allowed to go about my personal business without a mask (unless travelling on public transport which I don't), then wallop 24 July came and if I don't conform, I am classed along the same lines as some sort of plague carrier who should be avoided at all costs, and people on here wonder why I am rebelling against this, and will continue to do so !! Utter farce.

[bednobs]

well yeah, if you are going to be treated as some sort of plague carrier who should be avoided at all costs why would that make you want to do it more?

[sherrardk]

ILM - you make it sound like you’ve been singled out, the rule/law applies to everyone.

[THECORBYLOON]

ILM, did the same thing not happen when the ban on smoking in enclosed spaces was introduced? Fine and dandy one day, illegal the next.

[THECORBYLOON]

ILM, when you're in a car, do you wear a seat belt?

[Old_Geezer]

Everyone has been singled out. The difference is that some don't like to capitulate and think that having to live knowing that you did so is worse than putting up with the unreasonable attitudes of those who want to manipulate you. This should be the attitude of all who value traditional western freedom.

[woofgang]

OG does what you have just written make ANY sense?

[Mamyalynne]

This has to be one of the (if not the) longest replies to a Law question in AB History.

[Neveracrossword]

...Yes, and Nailit mentioned earlier that this was in Law for a reason.

[New Judge]

//ILM, when you're in a car, do you wear a seat belt?//

There is a clear and proven benefit to wearing a seatbelt. Scientific evidence was available before the measure was introduced. There are very few downsides. Very few people doubt that evidence.

Despite claims to the contrary the "emerging evidence" of the benefits of face coverings (especially those used by people untrained in the use of PPE) is thin on the ground. Conversely, the evidence of the risks to those faffing about with face masks, constantly removing and replacing them, putting them in their pockets, leaving them round their chin is widespread. There is simply no comparison.

[THECORBYLOON]

NJ, I agree with the benefits of wearing a seat belt but folk are being fined still for failing to wear one.

I was wondering if ILM supported those who fail to or refuse to wear seat belts.

For many decades there was no obligation do you do so and then overnight, it was obligatory (with exemptions).

[Deskdiary]

Margie is spot-on - it is a total farce; the likelihood of catching it or spreading it by fleetingly passing somebody in a shop is virtually zero.

I went shopping today and conformed, not because I agree with it, but just to avoid some perpetually petrified busybody having a moan - I can’t be arsed to have a row with some cretin over this.

I’m a speccy four-eyed git and kept on fogging up; it was a total pain.

[mushroom25]

// the likelihood of catching it or spreading it by fleetingly passing somebody in a shop is virtually zero. //

it's probably even less likely that it could be spread person to person in the street - yet I expect mission-creep of this exercise will mean we'll probably be wearing masks everywhere outside our own front doors, before christmas.

[iluvmargie]

No, I don't sherr, that's just your opinion and a daft one at that.

Thank you DD, a sensible answer to a ridiculous situation.

[Prudie]

I wore one for the first time ever today, put it on as I entered the shop (department store)and within a minute felt as though I was standing in front of an open oven. Bought what I wanted and rushed out - it's certainly the end of browsing for me.

[rockyracoon]

That was me in Tesco yesterday, Prudie. I’ll use one for food shopping but everything else will be online for me.

[Deskdiary]

The thinking behind it is just nuts; it’s meant to encourage people to use their high streets, whereas for me and mine it is doing the exact opposite.

My wife loves a browse, and almost inevitably, a browse results in a purchase - but she’s refusing to bother, and like rockyraccoon, her purchases are now online only.

It is absolutely nuts.

[nailit]

Since yesterday, I have just been to my *3rd* corner shop.
No customers, no staff, wearing face coverings!!
How the hell is this going to be 'policed'?
Its all a farce.
I'll wear a face mask when required to do so but am not convicnced that they work anyway.

[nailit]

I sneezed in my mask on the way home work last week. I had to sit for half an hour, on the bus, covered in my own snot and germs from work.
Is this healthy?

[rockyracoon]

I think the whole thing is BS. If it was that important it should have been introduced 4 months ago when we were in the thick of it. You have to wear a face mask in shops where you are constantly moving, but in a cinema where you are sat for in excess of an hour and a half and you don’t.
The high street won’t be getting my dosh, especially as I can’t try anything on. I’ll have to make an extra wasted journey just to return stuff. Grrrr