Thanks for posts in reply to this. I enjoy reading the various shades of view on a topic like this, and probably hold a quite mild view on it myself.
I think there is case for saying that education is much more important than drinking in a pub, especially as off-licences and shops sell the beverage of choice ... should it come to a choice to be made.
But the argument - as is usually the case - is not clear cut. Really a judgement call that cannot be decided on scientific evidence alone when as far as I know the expert view is by no means crystallised. So it becomes one off those hard to call decisions for the administration. What is decided may be right or wrong, and will be judged correctly only in hindsight.
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I had crossed words with a customer yesterday at the fuel station. Obviously the wearing of face masks or coverings is now legally required in shops, and if someone comes in without a mask or face covering the situation is a question of diplomacy, so far as that can be managed in the circumstances.
I knew the customer in question had poured no fuel, so was only there for snacks, or milk, or perhaps car accessories or spares. I asked if he would mind buying a face mask - we sell them singly at no mark-up over the packs of ten - and he point blank refused. I tendered the idea that he might remember the law on his next visit. Then he became very angry and asked me if I was refusing to serve him. I said that would be a question for the manager if he wanted to know. At that point he uttered some choice cursing words and left.
What are we supposed to do with such people? I reported the whole thing shortly afterwards to the manager, who said he heard the man in question raising his voice. "You did the right thing, for what I could tell," was his reaction, but it is not easy to enjoy serving people like this.
Incidentally, though not mandated by law, I do wear a proper face mask while on duty in the shop, and this helps with the gentle art of persuasion.
Best wishes from George