The chair of the Wiltshire Police Federation says the force doesn’t have enough officers to act as ‘face mask monitors’ as wearing face coverings in supermarkets becomes mandatory.
Mark Andrews said that the police have limited resources, and asks supermarkets to make the rules clear to customers before they enter – suggest a ‘no mask, no entry’ approach.
“The vast majority of Wiltshire’s public have complied with the many lockdown rules brought in by the Government and I thank them for this as it has made our job a lot easier”, he commented.
“I am hoping now face coverings have become mandatory in retail outlets we will continue to see the same level of compliance across our communities.
“To assist us I would ask our shops for their support by making the rules of entry crystal clear; if you are not wearing a face covering then you are not coming in.”
Mark added: “Wiltshire Police officers will be there to help stores if needed – but only as a last resort as we simply do not have the resources.
“We will continue to use the same approach we have done throughout the pandemic of trying to educate and encourage people to follow the rules before going down the enforcement route.
“It is simple really no mask, no entry – fail to comply and receive a fine of £100.”
