Can I be fined for not wearing a face mask in shops and pubs?
FACE masks will become mandatory for staff in pubs, restaurants and shops along with anyone getting a cab as part of new measures to stop the spread of the virus.
Anyone who refuses to wear one will be fined £200.
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On September 22, PM Boris Johnson also said customers should be wearing masks when moving around hospitality businesses, such as walking to their table or visiting the toilet at a pub.
The masks should only be removed when eating or drinking and when sitting at your table.
These new rules will be in force from Thursday, September 24.
Face masks are already compulsory for anyone going into shops, supermarkets, using public transport and leisure venues including cinemas.
Will I be fined for not wearing a face mask?
Brits who do not follow the new rules face a fine of up to £3,200, for repeat offenders.
The PM doubled the fine for Brits breaking the rules for the first time to £200.
He said: “The penalty for failing to wear a mask or breaking the rule of six will now double to £200 for a first offence.”
If retail staff working in stores don’t follow the rules, the retailers will face fines of up to £10,000.
Compulsory mask wearing will be enforced by police, according to the government, instead of shop owners and staff themselves, who are allowed to call the police or refuse the person entry.
Where are masks compulsory?
- Indoor hospitality, except while seated at a table to eat or drink
- Supermarkets
- Shops – and shopping centres (and to be worn by staff)
- Banks and building societies
- Transport hubs, including train stations and terminals, airports, ports, bus and coach stations or terminals
- Post Offices
- Sandwich shops
- Takeaways
- Beauty salons
- Places of worship
- Cinemas
- Museums
- Schools (secondary school children and staff)
- Taxis and private vehicle hire
- Hairdressers
Where are masks not required?
- Gyms and leisure centres
- Heritage sites
- Dentists
- Opticians