The current Covid-19 guidelines and legislations for your country can be found below. Despite ‘freedom day’ in England, and the easing of regulations across the UK and Ireland, members should consider whether or not they would like to maintain their own Covid-19 restrictions within their store. While only legal restrictions can be upheld by the law, some retailers in England are still asking their customers to wear face coverings and maintain social distancing in order to slow the spread of the virus and protect staff. Regardless of your personal decision, you must remain mindful of exemptions – especially those that are hidden. The Federation strongly advices members to avoid confrontations with customers for their own safety.
The NFRN has updated posters which you can download to advise customers that for the safety of everyone, you would like them to keep wearing a face covering when visiting your shop.
The current guidance and legislation in England:
Most legal restrictions have been lifted and have changed to recommendations. This means there is no legal requirement or any punishments for not following the guidance, but it is still recommended to reduce Covid cases and keep people safe.
- No legal limit on the number of people you can meet. However, it is recommended that you meet outdoors or in well ventilated areas.
- Face masks are recommended in crowded, public, indoor settings but are not legally required.
- Social Distancing is no longer mandated by law.
The current guidance and legislation in Scotland:
- Face coverings are still a legal requirement in stores unless customers are exempt.
- You must keep a 1m distance in public indoor settings.
- You can meet up to 8 people from 4 different households in private homes.
- You can meet up to 10 people from 4 different households in an indoor public place (pub, café, restaurant).
- You can meet up to 15 people from 15 different households outdoors.
- You do not need to socially distance from family and friends in private homes or indoors.
- Hospitality settings must close at midnight.
- Up to 200 people can attend weddings and funerals.
The current guidance and legislation in Wales:
- Face coverings are still a legal requirement in stores unless customers are exempt.
- Social distancing outdoors is no longer required by law, although businesses can make their own decisions.
- There is no limit on the number of people who can meet outdoors.
- Up to 6 people can meet indoors in private homes and holiday accommodation.
- Organised indoor events can take place for up to 1,000 seated and up to 200 standing, subject to a risk assessment and taking reasonable measures.
The current guidance and legislation in Northern Ireland:
- Face coverings are still a legal requirement in stores unless customers are exempt.
- Up to 6 people from no more than two households can meet in a private home and stay overnight. Children aged 12 and under are not counted in the total.
- Up to 15 people (including children) from no more than five households can meet up outdoors in a private garden, but you should maintain social distancing.
- Maximum of 6 people can be seated together in hospitality settings (children aged 12 or under not counted).
- More than 6 allowed in hospitality settings if from single household/ bubble (maximum 10). Contact details mustbe provided.
The current guidance and legislation for ROI will shortly follow.
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