Confusion over who will enforce face masks policy as traders say responsibility lies with the customer

First Minister Arlene Foster announced last week that face coverings in shops and other indoor spaces would become compulsory following a meeting of the Executive.

The announcement followed a statement from the Department of Heath that coronavirus infections have risen three-fold since early July.

Breaches of the requirement could attract a fixed penalty notice of £60 which will be reduced to £30 if paid within 14 days.

The Department of Health has said the amount of a fixed penalty notice increases if there are further offences.

The department also said the responsibility for imposing a fixed penalty notice for non-compliance will rest with the PSNI, although is not yet clear how this new legislation will be enforced.

The PSNI has said the primary responsibility for enforcing the wearing of face coverings will lie with shop owners. It said it would “only use enforcement as a last resort, when all other approaches have been unsuccessful”.

Aodhán Connolly, director of the Northern Ireland Retail Consortium, said it is the customer’s responsibility to wear a face covering but that retailers will work to encourage and support the new regulations.

“Retailers are doing all they can to support necessary safety regulations and will play their role in communicating and encouraging the Executive’s new policy on face coverings,” he said.

“While enforcement of this policy will be handled by the police, the ultimate responsibility remains with customers who must ensure that they wear a face covering when going into stores. Our shopping experience is changing, and we ask customers to be respectful and considerate when the new rules come into force today.

“We would urge everyone who can wear face coverings to abide by the law and do so. This is not just about a legal responsibility – it’s about protecting each other. Please wear one – and encourage your family, friends and colleagues to do likewise.

“Everyone has a role to play in ensuring compliance. Retailers can and will promote and encourage face coverings, reminding people of the need to keep staff and fellow customers safe.”

Mr Connolly added: “From the start of this crisis we have always said that our main ask of shoppers has been to think of others and be kind. That has never been more important than it is now.

“We have seen abuse and violence against staff rise and we would ask for the public to remember that our frontline colleagues are doing a great job in tough circumstances.

“Please be respectful and kind to them. Continue to social distance, wash your hands and from today wear a face covering.

“We look forward to further Executive communications on this to ensure everyone understands the reasons for these changes. It is vital that consumers are confident enough to return to their high streets, as demand remains low despite the lifting of lockdown.

“If sales and footfall fail to recover quickly, government should urgently consider steps to boost demand or else we will see many more shop closures and subsequent job losses.”

Retail NI chief executive Glyn Roberts added: “Retail NI and our members will work with the Executive to get this message out to consumers that it is now mandatory to wear a face covering in all shops. We have produced posters for our members to display in their stores, which encourages shoppers to comply with this law.

“Retailers and their staff are not required to police or enforce the wearing of face coverings and it will be the individual responsibility of shoppers to comply with this law.

“We hope that shoppers will show understanding and respect to each other and remind them that a significant number of people with a medical condition are exempt from wearing face covers.

“The wearing of face covers will be difficult for some customers, but we must all play our part in reducing the spread of Covid-19 and ensure a second wave is avoided.

“Our members will continue to play their part to ensure the shopping experience is safe and enjoyable for all consumers.”