A number of supermarkets will begin turning some shoppers away.
Joining the likes of Tesco, Morrisons, Asda, Waitrose and Sainsbury’s, Aldi has now confirmed that they will also be banning customers who do not have a face mask or covering from entering their stores. The move comes following a rapid surge in new cases as the new strain circulates the UK, with last-minute lockdown measures placed on England just last Monday.
Rolling out across all stores, the supermarkets will now deny entry to anyone who isn’t wearing a face mask – unless they have a valid medical exemption. The system will work similarly to those announced by other supermarkets across the country. As the supermarket transitions into the new rules, Aldi has confirmed that shoppers will be able to get a face mask free of charge if they forget theirs – however, this will be for a limited time only, and shoppers will be expected to bring their own moving forward.
Giles Hurley, chief executive at Aldi UK, said: “The safety of our colleagues and customers is our number one priority.”
He continued: “Wearing a mask is mandatory for everyone that shops at Aldi, except for the small number of people who have a medical exemption.”
Speaking of their own decision to make face masks compulsory, an Asda spokesperson said: “If a customer has forgotten their face covering, we will continue to offer them one free of charge.
“But should a customer refuse to wear a covering without a valid medical reason and be in any way challenging to our colleagues about doing so, our security colleagues will refuse their entry.”
SEE ALSO: Asda Named First Supermarket To Offer Covid-19 Vaccine In Stores
Here are the face mask rules for UK supermarkets:
Morrisons
Morrisons supermarkets have made it compulsory for all shoppers, except those medically exempt, to wear a face mask when shopping in their stores. There are no other exceptions, and shoppers will be expected to arrive at the store with a mask. Morrisons will also be offering masks to those who have forgotten to bring theirs, however, entry will be denied if customers refuse to accept one.
Asda
Asda will now refuse entry to those not wearing a face mask, unless medically exempt. Shoppers will be offered these free of charge if they have forgotten to bring one, however, entry will be denied by security if shoppers refuse.
Tesco
Customers will be required to turn up to store with their own face mask, unless they have a valid medical exemption. Tesco has also asked that shoppers attend the store alone, to reduce the number of people in the store at one time. Additional security have been assigned to help Tesco enforce the new rule.
Waitrose
Waitrose will be refusing entry to shoppers who do not wear a mask, without a reasonable medical exemption. The supermarket chain will offer disposable face masks to those who have forgotten to bring one. Entry will not be permitted to anyone who does not comply with the new rules.
Aldi
Aldi will not permit entry to anyone who refuses to wear a mask in their stores. For a limited time, they’ll be offering free face masks to anyone who has forgotten one, however, if you do not have a reasonable medical exemption, you will be expected to bring your own – which will be enforced at the door.
Sainsbury’s
Sainsbury’s will be using additional security to enforce the new face mask rule, which will mean anyone refusing to wear a mask (without a medical reason) will not be allowed to enter their stores.
Lidl
Lidl also has a mandatory face mask rule, with the exception of those with medical reasons. Masks are available to pick up as you enter the store, and pay for as you check out.
M&S
Masks are mandatory at M&S stores (including the Food Halls), with young children and those medically exempt permitted to enter without one.
Booths
Booths’ face mask policy states that they may refuse entry to anyone who arrives at the store without a mask. The rule is enforced at the door, and only those medically exempt will be granted entry without one.
If you wish to use an exemption card or badge, you can download exemption card templates here.