No Masks in Lidl

[the_smog_chorus]

Shops have signage advising that masks should be worn, next step is staff could remind shoppers that this policy is in place but the reality is that if someone advises that they are exempt, then that is the end of the matter - regardless of what anyone thinks. Therefore that is why staff don't do anything about it. I realise that if you see somebody not wearing a mask that there is a possibility that that person may not be exempt but you have no way of judging that by looking at them and no right to think any less of them.

 

[Fluffycarpet]

I understand that it is difficult for smaller shops to police this. But there is no excuse for larger stores. My local Morrisons has 2-3 security guards on the door, yet they let you in without a mask no questions asked.

 

[the_smog_chorus]

Fluffycarpet - see my point above.

 

[Fluffycarpet]

Fluffycarpet - see my point above.

Yeah I understand that. But isn't that what those exempt cards are for? If you don't show one of them then tough s**t, you don't come in.

 

[1finny]

Surely the shop has an obligation for the health and safety of it’s employees and customers, so a right to refuse entry if that is jeopardised?

Of course they have an obligation to people working in shops and have been all over this from the start of lockdown.
Shops were safe places to work for the first four months when no masks were being worn. They are as safe now.
We have had 1 +ve Covid test from 2000 people since the start of the pandemic.

 

[1finny]

Yeah I understand that. But isn't that what those exempt cards are for? If you don't show one of them then tough s**t, you don't come in.

But that’s not the law.
All you have to do is say wearing a mask causes me distress - then you can legally enter.

 

[Ingleby_Flash]

Just back from Canaries, 100% mask wearing in shops, no question. Got to Manchester airport and a lot not wearing them, even though I don’t believe they work it’s still shocking and annoying to see.

 

[Fluffycarpet]

But that’s not the law.
All you have to do is say wearing a mask causes me distress - then you can legally enter.

It would stop the majority coming in though. I saw it in Scarborough. The bloke at the door stopped a couple and then a group of lads. The lad on the door was a big lad but friendly and charming. It really isn't that hard to stop people coming in.

 

[Boro in Devon]

I own a small kitchen showroom in a small town. We are staffed so there is a minimum of one person in each day, but wouldn't expect there to be more than 3 staff members if they are passing through between appointments. We have about 5 walk in customers per day.
There would not be a situation that we would have security, I provide hand sanitiser and expect customers to wear masks. I am happy for my staff not to wear masks as it is very stuffy and they need to be confident to communicate with the customer, non verbal communication is difficult when wearing a mask.
I would not expect the staff members to police the mask wearing policy, as many of my customers are older and my belief is that they may have exemptions. However if they thought that it was appropriate to ask a customer to mask up then the know that they would have my support.
As a small business I am more scared of the bad press that policing a mask policy might bring if we started getting bad feedback over social media. I will get less feedback by turning a blind eye that everyone else is doing.

 

[the_smog_chorus]

You just have to say you're exempt (no need for stating distress or anything else).

 

[the_smog_chorus]

You stop a young lad coming in as he is not wearing a mask, he then advises he is exempt (he could have asthma for e.g.) - that is all he needs to say (that he is exempt) if you continue to quiz him then that is a breach of section 29 (5) (a) of the equality act 2010, to deny him entry and / or service is a breach of section 13 (1) of the equality act.

 

[Fluffycarpet]

You stop a young lad coming in as he is not wearing a mask, he then advises he is exempt (he could have asthma for e.g.) - that is all he needs to say (that he is exempt) if you continue to quiz him then that is a breach of section 29 (5) (a) of the equality act 2010, to deny him entry and / or service is a breach of section 13 (1) of the equality act.

You're assuming that everyone not wearing a mask will kick up a fuss when asked to put one on. The majority would buy one at the door (which big stores do), or politely leave. Its still not ideal but it leaves far less people in store without a mask.

 

[1finny]

You're assuming that everyone not wearing a mask will kick up a fuss when asked to put one on. The majority would buy one at the door (which big stores do), or politely leave. Its still not ideal but it leaves far less people in store without a mask.

It only takes 1 person to kick off - and, by the way, some will.
Jo public aren't going to or expected to challenge anyone so wouldn't expect my team to

 

[Fluffycarpet]

It only takes 1 person to kick off - and, by the way, some will.
Jo public aren't going to or expected to challenge anyone so wouldn't expect my team to

I wouldn't expect a shop assistant to either. I'm talking about the big stores here. A security guard should confront people. Everyone needs to take responsibility for this. Shops need to do their bit.

 

[the_smog_chorus]

You're assuming that everyone not wearing a mask will kick up a fuss when asked to put one on. The majority would buy one at the door (which big stores do), or politely leave. Its still not ideal but it leaves far less people in store without a mask.

I'm not assuming that at all, if somebody 'politely leaves' and is genuinely exempt then the store is in breach of the equality act and therefore breaking the law - stores (and in fact individuals) do not want to be opening themselves up to this and the consequences it brings.

 

[Fluffycarpet]

I'm not assuming that at all, if somebody 'politely leaves' and is genuinely exempt then the store is in breach of the equality act and therefore breaking the law - stores (and in fact individuals) do not want to be opening themselves up to this and the consequences it brings.

I just think people are over complicating this. I've seen a security guard doing it as I've said, and it worked just fine. If someone produces their exempt card then they get in. It's really not difficult.

 

[the_smog_chorus]

It isn't difficult I agree, I just shudder when you use language like 'confront', that is not how it should be done, stores can ask but if they are advised 'I'm exempt' then that is the end of the matter like it or not.

 

[Fluffycarpet]

It isn't difficult I agree, I just shudder when you use language like 'confront', that is not how it should be done, stores can ask but if they are advised 'I'm exempt' then that is the end of the matter like it or not.

Well yes that was maybe the wrong word. But I did say politely ask. However, security guards would happily 'politely' ask people trust me. It's their job. It makes the day more interesting having a few gobby customers.

 

[TeessideCleveland]

Similar to asking minimum wage staff to enforce the fact that there is no theft from the store?

But this is asking them to stop something that was allowed until 7 weeks ago

 

[the_holgate_roof]

But that’s not the law.
All you have to do is say wearing a mask causes me distress - then you can legally enter.

But in the same vein a shop can dictate it’s own policy for entry, so if they want you to wear a mask, you wear a mask.