Written question asked by Holly Lynch (Labour) on Wednesday, 15 December 2021, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 5 January 2022. It was answered by Maggie Throup (Conservative) on Thursday, 6 January 2022 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Coronavirus: Protective Clothing

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, who is responsible for the enforcement of the wearing of face coverings in supermarkets and shops.

Answer: There is a legal requirement for in-scope businesses, including shops, to display signage to inform the public that face coverings are mandated in their premises, unless they are exempt from wearing them or have a reasonable excuse. Staff should remind people of the requirement to wear a face covering, but this should not result in anyone having to prove that they have an exemption or reasonable excuse. If necessary, police and police community support officers can issue a fixed penalty notice to anyone who does not comply without a valid exemption or reasonable excuse.

Secondary information