Masks in shops: What will happen if I don’t wear one?

The new legislation came into effect in England on Friday 24 July

(Getty Images/iStockphoto)

It is now compulsory to wear a face covering when you visit a supermarket, indoor shopping centre, coffee shop, or bank in England - but you will not be required to wear one when visiting a pub, restaurant, cinema or hairdresser.

It is also mandatory to wear face coverings on public transport - unless you meet one of the few exceptions - but until recently only “essential journeys” were permitted, so many people may not yet have had to adhere to the new rules.

Members of staff in shops will not have to wear face masks while they are working, but all customers are legally obliged to in order to reduce the risk of coronavirus spread.

For months ministers in England said face coverings were not essential. Even on 12 July, 24 hours before Matt Hancock confirmed the new rules, Conservative minister Michael Gove said people should rely on “common sense” and not force people to wear them.

But in the face of mounting evidence supporting their efficacy (and other countries adopting mask policies) the government position has shifted. Numerous studies have now confirmed the benefits of wearing masks in stopping asymptomatic spread of the virus.

So now the rules have changed - what happens if you break them?

What happens if you don’t wear a mask?

A study by Cambridge University, says even basic homemade masks can reduce transmission - and help prevent a second spike. A separate study, from the University of Edinburgh, suggested that a face covering could help reduce the spread of coronavirus from people who are carriers.

A study in The Lancet on 3 June, which analysed data from 172 studies in 16 countries, found that by wearing a face mask there is just a 3 per cent chance of catching COVID-19. And on 8 July, Oxford University's Leverhulme Centre for Demographic Science, published a study, with the message "face masks and coverings work - act now".

Aside from increasing your risk of virus transmission, not wearing a mask could land you with a £100 fine. Those who pay within 14 days can have this reduced to £50.

Will the police be involved in enforcement?

On 22 July Metropolitan police chief Dame Cressida Dick said officers will only enforce the wearing of masks in a shop as a “last resort” and that she hoped people will be “shamed” into using them rather than having to be fined.

Thames Valley, and Devon and Cornwall police say officers will only attend non-wearing incidents if they become violent.

Previously the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) suggested officers would only intervene over face masks as a “last resort”.

Will shop workers report me?

The government has said the new rules will not be enforced by shop workers, who should instead “encourage compliance”.

Andrew Goodacre, CEO of the British Independent Retailer Association, said: “This is not the role of retailers, and we would be concerned any such enforcement may lead to a further increase in the number of threats and abuse shop workers in the UK are currently experiencing.”

Some shops have already issued statements on their face mask policies in store:

• Sainsbury’s has said it will not “challenge customers” as it is worried people may have “reason not to wear a mask”. 

• Waitrose said: “We're asking customers in our English and Scottish stores to wear a face covering while shopping. All customers – apart from children under 11 and those with disabilities or breathing difficulties - should wear a face mask, scarf or other covering.”

• Co-op said: “The health and safety of Co-op colleagues, customers and members is our priority. In line with new laws set out by the Government, it will be mandatory to wear a face covering to cover the nose and mouth when shopping in Co-op stores in England from 24th July.” 

•  Aldi said: “In accordance with the recent government announcement, from the 24th July, it will be mandatory for all customers (with certain exceptions) shopping in our English stores to wear a face covering for the duration of their visit.”

• Lidl said it is the “responsibility of individuals and should be enforced by police or council workers”

• Tesco said: “To help keep you and our colleagues safe in-store and reflect the latest government guidance, customers will be required to wear face coverings while shopping from Friday, 24 July. Face coverings will be available to purchase in-store and online (while stocks last).”

Should I report other people?

On Thursday, 12 hours before the rules were introduced, Downing Street said it does not expect members of the public to report other people not wearing masks.

A spokesperson said: “With shops, we would expect them to give advice to customers and remind them that they should be wearing a face covering and I’m sure the overwhelming majority of the public will do so.

“Those not wearing their masks properly over both mouth and nose will be advised as to the right and safest way to wear a face mask rather than be immediately fined."