Andy Burnham demands supermarkets enforce face coverings in store

The big four supermarkets have said they will not police the rules

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has called for supermarkets to "play their part" in ensuring face coverings are worn in store.

From 24 July in England, face coverings became mandatory in shops, supermarkets, shopping centres and enclosed transport hubs as part of the Covid-19 restrictions.

But Mr Burnham was unhappy that supermarkets were not enforcing the rules for the safety of all shoppers

"We know there is ariable implementation in supermarkets. Some check at the door, others not, and others having a more permissive approach.

"I'll be writing to the four main supermarkets today to say that this approach is not acceptable and we want a much stricter approach to enforce wearing of face coverings when customers arrive at supermarkets. If they refuse, they should be asked to leave.

"We can't leave that to the police.  We need the supermarkets stepping forward to play their part, recognising the situation that we've got in Greater Manchester."

However, the Greater Manchester Mayor was keen to point out that he didn't expect shop workers to enforce the restrictions.

"Let's not forget the supermarkets have made a lot of money throughout lockdown, and we expect them to employ security staff at stores to enforce the rules.

"If they can't afford to provide security at every store, then we'd expect them to provide security at every store across Greater Manchester"

The big four supermarkets have previously said that whilst customers are required to wear face coverings in store, they would not be policing the policy.

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