Booths thanks customers for their co-operation as new mask rules come in

Booths has joined a new scheme which aims to identify people with disabilities

The Preston-headquartered business has said staff will "politely" remind customers to wear a face covering at store entrances.

Shoppers without a suitable face covering may be refused entry to the store or offered one.

But in line with Government guidance, customers don’t need to wear a face covering when dining in any of Booths' cafes.

CEO and chairman Edwin Booth said: "People are afraid of the virus.

"We understand that. We want to let them know that it is safe to shop at Booths."

Booths staff will also wearing face coverings whilst in customer areas of the store - even though it is not mandatory under the new rules.

A Booths spokesman said today : "We would like to thank our customers today for putting the safety and welfare of our colleagues and customers first by happily wearing face coverings in store and being considerate of those who can’t.”

The Government's new rules have brought some criticism, with senior police saying the threat of a £100 fine is "unenforceable".

And some business goups are concerned staff will be expected to "police" the wearing of masks.

Booths meanwhile has introduced the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard Scheme throughout all of its stores.

The scheme helps those with a number of hidden disabilities, such as autism, dementia and visual or hearing impairments.

Customers can opt to wear a lanyard as a discreet signal to store colleagues that they may need additional support when shopping.

The scheme will also enable Booths to support those individuals that may not be able to socially distance or follow some hygiene guidelines such as wearing face coverings throughout the epidemic.

The Hidden Disabilities lanyard, which is also called the ‘sunflower lanyard’ because of its appearance - a strip of green with a pattern of yellow sunflowers - will be available to collect for free and can be reused by customers for future visits to Booths stores or outings where the scheme is recognised.

Nigel Murray, COO at Booths, said “It’s vitally important to support customers who might find shopping a challenging experience at the moment.

"The Sunflower Lanyard will enable our colleagues to identify and give additional help to customers requiring extra assistance.

"Booths are keen to support everyone in our stores and give them the warm welcome and service they deserve.”