Minority won’t comply on mask wearing rules

I live in Upper Horsebridge, Hailsham where we have a small local Co-Op Store.

It has been noticed that local buildings workers in the area of the store are not wearing masks when going in the store on a daily basis.

Today when a man complained to the staff she said she got this every day but legally there was nothing she could do other than ask them to wear a mask but if they refused that was as far as she could go.

We are all trying to do our bit other than a minority of people who have no intention of complying with the rules, masks, distancing etc and not on a one-off basis but every day when they enter this store.

Many stores now are adopting the attitude that if you do not wear a mask or have a medical reason for not doing so you are not allowed in the store but the smaller stores such as this one in Upper Horsebridge have a very small staff and are not in a position to monitor people coming into the store.

I have contacted HQ at he Co-Op but as yet had no reply.

The problem seems to be what is the legal situation – can they turn people away and if they refuse to wear a mask or leave has the store the right to call the police?

It seems to be a grey area.