The BA is aware that most BA members are cautious about the lifting of restrictions as regards mask-wearing and are keen to protect their staff and customers.  To give all booksellers the option to alter their signage as restrictions ease, we’ve created a new card as part of our POS Kit – available to download here.

We also include an update below on guidance for all four nations on the forthcoming easing of restrictions, as it relates to retail.
 
England
 
BEIS has finally published its new guidance for shops on England from Monday 19 July. You can find the guidance here. As was widely reported in the press, it no longer requires the use of face coverings in shops by law but it does recommend they’re worn in enclosed spaces and that shops should “consider encouraging, for example through signage, the use of face coverings by workers, particularly in indoor areas where they may come into contact with people they do not normally meet.”
 
On the subject of customers and facemasks the guidance states the following:
“When deciding whether you will ask workers or customers to wear a face covering, you would need to consider the reasonable adjustments needed for staff and clients with disabilities. You would also need to consider carefully how this fits with other obligations to workers and customers arising from the law on employment rights, health and safety and equality legislation.”
 
The article that was sent to members last week on this subject may be helpful in helping you interpret what this means for your shop.
 
If you have a café in your shop you’re no longer required to collect customer contact details for Test and Trace but you can continue to display an NHS QR code poster if you wish.
 
All businesses will also have to update their COVID-19 risk assessments. The guidance link through to the HSE’s website detailing what should be included in such an assessment.
 
Scotland
The First Minister confirmed yesterday that when Scotland moves to Level 0 on 19 July that face coverings will remain mandatory in retail and hospitality settings. For those of you who have cafes there will no longer be a requirement for customers to pre-book but you will still have to ask customers to provide contact details to assist Test and Protect. You will also be able to increase the number of customers able to enter your premises as the physical distancing requirements will drop from 2m to 1m.
 
You can find the full guidance here.
 
Wales
 
The First Minister announced today that most restrictions in Wales should be removed on 7 August. Face coverings will still be required in shops for the time being but not in hospitality settings (which may cause a few headaches for those of you with cafes).
 
You can read the Government’s Coronavirus Control Plan document here.
 
Northern Ireland
 
There are no changes yet on the face covering front for shops in Northern Ireland. We don’t expect any announcements until next month but it seems more likely that Northern Ireland’s policy will mirror that of Scotland and Wales rather than following England’s lead. We’ll send more information as it becomes available.