From Friday 24th July the government have made face coverings mandatory in shops and supermarkets. The aim is to give people more confidence to shop safely and enhance protection for those who work in shops.
Estate Agents have been discussing online whether they fall into the shop or office category, as office workers do not have to wear facemasks.
The government has so far included estate agents within the retail sector and therefore they are classed as shops. I believe it will depend on the business model.
If you are in a retail park block of offices where members of the public do not enter, then you are in an ‘office’. If you are situated in a ‘high street’ premises where people walk in from the street, then you are a shop.
We, at 24 Finkle Street are a shop. So, from Friday if you would like to visit us in person, you will have to wear a facemask. It is irrelevant what any or our personal thoughts are on the wearing of facemasks. By law you will have to wear one if you want to enter a shop or supermarket or face a £100 fine.
There are exceptions to any rule of course. Children under eleven and those with certain disabilities will be exempt. They will be provided with some sort of proof to declare exemption. Should an individual without an exemption refuse to wear a face covering, a shop can refuse them entry and can call the police if people refuse to comply. The police have the formal enforcement powers and can issue a fine. How embarrassing would that be?
Certainly, people have rights and some feel they look silly wearing them but unless you are going up for a Vogue modelling contract does that really matter? To your family, you wearing a ventilator looks a lot worse. And we’re all going to be in the same boat anyway when we go into shops.
So, if you don’t want to wear a facemask but you do want to speak to us – call us on 01757 709955 or arrange a Teams/Zoom Meeting.
Take care of yourselves,
Carol