Facemasks not set to be compulsory in restaurants and pubs, environment secretary confirms

Face masks are not set to be made compulsory in restaurants and pubs, environment secretary George Eustice has confirmed.

The secretary of state said that the requirement for face coverings, set to be compulsory in shops and supermarkets from 24 July, is not due to be extended across hospitality venues.

He told Sky News this morning: "We're not, for instance, mandating the wearing of masks in pubs and restaurants, because obviously people have got to eat."

The environment secretary said he suspects “a lot more people” will wear masks following the announcement, although they will not become mandatory for another 10 days.

Failure to wear facemasks in shops and supermarkets could see the issuing of fines up to £100, when the requirement comes into full force from 24 July.

Police have suggested the enforcement will primarily come down to shopkeepers preventing entry to those failing to wear masks. Ken Marsh, chairman of the Metropolitan Police Federation, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that shopkeepers could “quite easily put signs up on their doors ‘No mask on, no entry, this is private property’.”

He added: “This cannot all be laid on the shoulders of the police yet again.”

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