Asda, Tesco, Sainsbury’s face mask rules after government announcement

The Government announced today that the new rules would come into force, with fines of up to £100 for those who failed to comply with the rules.

This announcement was made just days after Michael Gove said the public would be trusted to use their ‘common sense’ when it came to deciding whether to wear coverings.

Police will be expected enforce the laws, however shop owners are asked to encourage people to follow the rules.

Until July 24, the rules around face coverings will remain at the shop owner’s discretion.

These are the rules currently in force at the major supermarkets.

Tesco

Masks and coverings are not compulsory, however they have been made available to customers and staff.

Social distancing measures have been enforced strictly in most stores, with the retailer saying masks are not as important in indoor spaces where social distancing is possible.

Sainsbury’s

A spokesperson for Sainsbury’s said: "Masks are available for all our colleagues who wish to use them while they work or travel to their place of work.”

The masks are not compulsory. The supermarket has said that this is because social distancing is possible in stores.

Asda

It is the same at Asda, too.

A spokesperson said: "We are complying with all Government guidelines and we welcome customers wearing face masks or not.

"Our colleagues all have the option of wearing face masks which we have supplied and the colleagues in clinical settings (pharmacy and optical) have been required to wear masks since the start of the pandemic as per the government guidelines on clinical workers."