I want to share my thoughts & intentions, with the hope I'm not the only one who feels this way! Whilst I could write a book on the subject I have to be brief as this a forum is not a book, but In my view, to mandate masks in public places is the line that should not have been crossed- there is evidence to show masks could even be harmful (they harbour bacteria and and virus's if not replaced/cleaned regularly) and for me personally wearing a mask for anything other than very short periods will cause me severe distress. So my actions over the coming months will be for myself, and those others who cannot speak for themselves. The law (https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2020/791/made/data.pdf ) states that only a constable or a police community support officer (or transport on British transport) can enforce the law, so a shop employee has no legal basis to stop entry to a person not wearing a mask. With that in mind, if a shop employee refuses entry to a shop are they exhibiting discrimination? I don't know the answer to that (but will over the coming months scrutinise any relevant legislation) so what I intend to do is gather evidence, evidence that could be used in any potential future actions- having said that though, I will not be directing this at the small shop/business owner as they have had a hard enough time as it is!).
So, the law requires one to wear a face covering (aka mask) in a shop:- "(2) In these Regulations, “shop” means any building, room or other indoor establishment which is open to the public in whole or in part and is used wholly or mainly for the purposes of retail sale or hire of goods or services, but not including the premises listed in Part 2 of the Schedule."- (this means inside the building, not while queuing outside, not in the car park)- if I am approached by an employee and asked to wear a mask I will ask them to sign the following (or a version thereof):- I the undersigned, hereby accept responsibility on behalf of _________________________________ (insert organisation name) that at _____________ (insert time) on _________________ (insert date) I refused permission for ___________________ (your name) to enter the premises for which I am responsible unless a mask was worn upon entry to said premises. I acknowledge that I am fully responsible on behalf of ____________________________________ (insert organisation name) in the event of any legal action brought about in the future (in respect of any health issues arising as a result of mask wearing, or human rights, equality or discrimination legislation) as a result of my actions today.
Signed___________________ Position___________________.
However, thankfully, it seems many shops are not getting involved with enforcement anyway so this may not be necessary, but in the meantime I will protesting in my own way without leaving myself open to being fined hint- this is the definition of a face covering in the law:- “face covering” means a covering of any type which covers a person’s nose and mouth;". There is no stipulation of the weave/material aperture size in the wording, so as long as it covers your mouth and nose, a piece of string vest complies with the law!