First I'd just like to say a massive thank you to Toby and everyone else running this site. Keep up the great work, guys!
I wonder if any other LS readers would be interested in helping to educate Waitrose about what the law is on face mask exemption cards, since at my last visit to my local store, the security guard on the door was refusing to let people in without a mask unless they could show an exemption card, despite being informed that it isn't mandatory to have one.
I have emailed both customerserviceteam@waitrose.co.uk and berangere.michel@johnlewis.co.uk, Waitrose's executive director for customer service, to complain about this treatment of non-mask-wearing customers. My email is below, if anyone would like to join my protest and use it as a template.
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Dear Waitrose,
It has come to my attention that security guards at your branch in Worcester Park are refusing to allow customers who are exempt from wearing face coverings into the store without showing an exemption card. As I am sure you are aware, it is not mandatory under the law for those who are exempt from wearing face coverings to carry a card stating this; it is sufficient to state that you are exempt.
I quote from www.gov.uk regarding the wearing of face coverings ( https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own#exemptions ):
“Exemption cards
If you have an age, health or disability reason for not wearing a face covering:
• you do not routinely need to show any written evidence of this
• you do not need show an exemption card
This means that you do not need to seek advice or request a letter from a medical professional about your reason for not wearing a face covering.
However, some people may feel more comfortable showing something that says they do not have to wear a face covering. This could be in the form of an exemption card, badge or even a home-made sign.
Carrying an exemption card or badge is a personal choice and is not required by law.”
I would be obliged if you would therefore take steps to inform your store managers and security staff that those who are unable to wear face coverings do not need to show a card to prove it. If your staff continue to discriminate in this way against those who are unable to wear face coverings, you may be breaching your duties under the Equalities Act 2010.
As a frequent Waitrose customer who has been impressed in general with my local store’s management over the past year, I was disappointed to witness this lapse in understanding of how the regulations are to be applied. If the decision to treat customers who are unable to wear face coverings in this way was occasioned by complaints of other customers, I would suggest instead explaining to such customers that those who are unable to wear face coverings are not obliged to display a card stating this, and that they should show more respect for those who are unable to wear face coverings.
Kind regards,
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I would love to know the reply. It seems they are not alone..check out coscos new policy. I have the pictures but dont know how to post photos.i will try and find a link unless you can..
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Dear Waitrose,
It has come to my attention that security guards at your branch in Worcester Park are refusing to allow customers who are exempt from wearing face coverings into the store without showing an exemption card.
My local Waitrose is Westbury Park in Bristol. I have never been challenged for not wearing a mask. Of course, that may change.
My local Sainsbury announces regularly over the Tannoy that customers should respect one another and that some may be exempt from wearing masks. I find that commendable.
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I would love to know the reply. It seems they are not alone..check out coscos new policy. I have the pictures but dont know how to post photos.i will try and find a link unless you can..
😀
I'll let you know!
Wow, Costco are forcing non-mask-wearers to wear a face shield? That well-known blocker of aerosol particles. 🙄 Or is there something more recent? That's been their policy since April, it seems.
My local Waitrose is Westbury Park in Bristol. I have never been challenged for not wearing a mask. Of course, that may change.
My local Sainsbury announces regularly over the Tannoy that customers should respect one another and that some may be exempt from wearing masks. I find that commendable.
I hadn't been until this week. I suspect it may have been some overzealous store manager's idea, rather than overall policy. Just as well to nip it in the bud!
Well done Sainsbury's, I applaud that. Exactly, if anyone is complaining, they need to know that people have every right not to wear them (with reasonable excuse) and not to advertise the fact or explain themselves.
