Hemel shopping centre asks shoppers and retailers to comply with new face coverings rules

People will have to wear a face covering in shops and supermarkets in England from July 24, and The Marlowes is asking guests, retailers and employees to comply with the new rules.

Wearing a face covering will become mandatory and those who fail to comply with the new rules will face a fine of up to £100, the government has announced.

A spokesperson for The Marlowes said: "Throughout this period our number one priority has been the health and safety of our guests and colleagues.

"We are continually monitoring public health service advice on this and working through how we can ensure that we are operating as efficiently as possible within the confines of the government’s directions.

"We will be asking all of our guests, retailers and employees to comply with the government’s legal directive on the wearing of face coverings in shops and retail spaces from 24 July 2020, until further notice.

"We would like to thank all our guests for their ongoing support and understanding."

The ruling is already in place in Scotland and other European countries including Spain, Italy and Germany.

Since mid-May, the public have been advised to wear coverings in enclosed public spaces, and it has been compulsory on public transport in England since June 15.

Children under 11 and those with certain disabilities will be exempt.

The new rule will not apply to retail staff.

The latest rules for shops will be enforced by the police, with anyone disregarding them at risk of a fine of up to £100. This will be reduced to £50 if people pay within 14 days.

While shop workers will be encouraged to prompt customers to comply, they will not be expected to enforce the rules.

In Hemel Hempstead, businesses, Hemel Hempstead BID, Riverside Shopping Centre, Dacorum Borough Council and The Marlowes are working together to produce clear guidelines for all shoppers.

As part of the town’s reopening strategy, hand sanitiser stations were installed in the Marlowes Shopping Centre and Riverside Shopping Centre.

A keep to the right one-way system will operate across the town with cross over areas introduced. Signage has been installed around town and in both shopping centres to help guide customers and ensure that social distancing guidelines are followed.

Video shows how the one way system works in Hemel Hempstead's town centre