Here is my letter to the Belfast Newsletter newspaper (published on its website yesterday) and a shorter version was published yesterday in its print edition:
In case you cannot access my letter fully on the Newsletter website ( I think you have to login, but it’s free), here is a copy of my letter as it appears on their website:
Wearing masks is now compulsory in the Republic so I will shop north of border if NI leaves face coverings as a voluntary choice. By Patrick McGinnity, Thursday, 23rd July 2020, 7:30 am
I agree with Belfast Chamber Chief Executive Simon Hamilton and Retail NI Chief Executive Glyn Roberts (July 21) that the mandatory wearing of face masks in shops “could adversely affect trade and generate serious issues around enforcement”.