Wearing a face covering will be mandatory for customers in shops and supermarkets in England from July 24.
Anyone failing to wear a mask will face a fine of up to £100, which will reduce to £50 if paid within 14 days.
Enforcement will be carried out by the police. While shop employees should encourage compliance, retailers and businesses will not be expected to enforce the policy. Neither will shop staff be expected to wear face coverings.
Commenting National President Stuart Reddish said: “We are pleased that shop owners and staff will not have to enforce the wearing of masks in shops but we do have concerns that this could impact on footfall as it might people to shop online instead.”
A No10 spokesperson said: “There is growing evidence that wearing a face covering in an enclosed space helps protect individuals and those around them from coronavirus.
“The Prime Minister has been clear that people should be wearing face coverings in shops and we will make this mandatory from July 24.”
It is already compulsory in Scotland to wear face coverings inside shops. Anyone not doing so faces a fine of £60.
The NFRN has created a poster that members can download and display to remind customers that they must wear a mask inside their shops.
Click Here to read Scottish retailer article
Download Posters: