Face mask guidance for our customers

An update for our customers

The government has made it mandatory for customers who visit shops in England to wear face masks from 24^th July 2020.

The guidelines make it clear that our teams in both our garden centres and restaurants will not be required to wear face coverings. 

Customers can remove their masks to consume food and drinks in our restaurants.  There will also be no requirement to wear your mask in our open spaced plant areas.  The guidelines state that this applies to ‘inside shops’ only.

Don't worry if you forget to bring your mask.  We will provide you with a free disposable face mask.

Hand sanitisation facilities are available throughout the centre and the restaurant as normal.

The government have clearly stated the liability for wearing a face mask resides with the individual. (It is important for us all to be aware that some members of the public are exempt from wearing face masks due to health reasons)

We will continue to follow the government guidelines on social distancing and hygiene within our centres and within our teams.

The Government position on face masks and coverings in retail shops is as follows:

“Wearing a face covering is required by law when travelling as a passenger on public transport in England, for example... Some people don’t have to wear a face covering including for health, age or equality reasons. Elsewhere in England it is optional and is not required by law (except shops from 24^th July), including in the workplace. If you choose to wear one, it is important to use face coverings properly and wash your hands before putting them on and before and after taking them off.

It is important to know that the evidence of the benefit of using a face covering to protect others is weak and the effect is likely to be small, therefore face coverings are not a replacement for the other ways of managing risk, including minimising time spent in contact and increasing hand and surface washing. These other measures remain the best ways of managing risk in the workplace and government would therefore not expect to see employers relying on face coverings as risk management for the purpose of their health and safety assessments.”

You can find out more about the guidelines set out for our restaurants by clicking here.

You can also find out more about the guidelines for shop workers by clicking here.