Luton shopping centre criticised for no enforcement of face covering policy

The Mall Luton has been criticised for its lack of enforcement over face coverings by a disgruntled shopper

Ron Blais visited the shopping centre at the end of August and was shocked to see hardly anyone wearing face coverings and the security staff not enforcing the rules.

Face coverings became mandatory in shops, supermarkets, shopping centres and enclosed transport hubs from Friday, July 24, there are some exemptions for people who do not have to wear one, which can be found on the Government website - ww.gov.uk.

Ron said: "When I went there a couple of weeks ago I would say only about 30 per cent of shoppers were wearing masks.

"I was shocked, it was unbelievable.

"I asked one of the security guards about it and he got confrontational and said that it was not their job to enforce the law, that was down to the police.

"But I have been to other shopping centres, supermarkets and shops and they have people on the door enforcing the rules, they are not letting people in if they do not have face coverings.

"Also, the security guards themselves were not wearing masks and they were not keeping 2 metres away from people.

"I think The Mall should be doing more, and they should enforce the face covering rule."

When Ron went to the shopping centre last week, he said there was more of a presence of shopping centre staff, but still no enforcement.

He added: "When I went this week they did have people on the door, but people were still allowed in without a face covering."

The Mall Luton introduced new measures in June to ensure the safety of shoppers, they have introduced a one-way system to guide shoppers around the shopping centre and a new traffic light system will provide shoppers with a guide on how busy the centre is.

Since July, the shopping centre says it has been encouraging shoppers to wear face coverings.

A spokesperson for The Mall Luton said: "As per the Government’s guidelines, everyone aged 11 and over must wear a face covering when inside the shopping centre unless they have a legitimate reason not to do so, in order to help prevent the spread of Covid-19.

"The police have powers to enforce this with fines of £100, however our security team do not. We are fully aware of course that there are legitimate reasons for people not to wear face masks and this is clear in our signage and messaging.

"We also have automated, regular tannoy announcements every 10 minutes reminding guests that the wearing of face coverings are now mandatory unless they have a legitimate reason not to do so.

"Legitimate reasons include mental health issues and anxiety which may not be immediately obvious. Government Guidance suggests a scarf, bandana, religious garment or hand-made cloth are also suitable face coverings.

"The vast majority of visitors do comply with the new rules so that they can continue to enjoy their shopping experience.

"All Mall employed staff (Security, cleaning, maintenance and Management) wear face coverings whenever they are on the mall. We have been working with the Council, BID, Public Health and other town centre stakeholders throughout the pandemic to minimise the risk to visitors and staff that work in the centre.

"The safety of everyone that visits and works in the shopping centre remains our top priority and as such it is important to remember the other guidelines that remain in place:

- Anyone who has Covid-19 symptoms should remain at home and not visit the centre

- Wash hands regularly for at least 20 seconds using soap and water or hand sanitiser

- Keep a safe distance from other people

- Following any one way systems that are in place

- Pay by contactless when possible

- Be respectful to other shoppers and staff."

Read: Video shows how the new one way system at Luton's The Mall will workWhat do you think? Let us know by emailing [email protected].