Harrogate cafes in 'difficult situation' over face mask laws

The introduction today, Friday, of new Government rules making mandatory the wearing of face covering in shops, on public transport and when buying food or drink to take away, has been greeted with concern by parts of Harrogate's food and drink sector.

Hoxton North, the London-inspired coffee shop, restaurant and bar located on Royal Parade, says it understands the situation but is worried it will simply create further problems for traders.

The cafe's co-owner Tim Bosworth said: "With the various enforcements regarding the mandatory use of face masks, I and many other retailers feel that this is another inhibitor in terms of how customers experience pubs restaurants and bars.

"It is a difficult time for many retailers with reduced revenue and uncertain future business.

"The mandatory use of face masks will make this even harder due to the fact that some people are already anxious about entering social spaces which for some creates a fearful mind set which can stop people from wanting to go out and, in turn, not visit their favourite pubs restaurants and bars."

Major retailers such as Sainsburys, Asda, Co-op and Costa Coffee, have already said they have no intention of policing the new face mask laws, which carry a penalty of a £100 fine.

Harrogate's cafe culture seems reluctant, as whole, appears to share those sentiments.

The co-owner of the Bean & Bud of Commercial Street said face masks were not a problem in theory but that policing the new rule left traders with an impossible choice to make.

Phil Dolby said: "Our feeling is that the latest guidance - although typically late in arriving - is not really that confusing.

"If you come into our shop for a takeaway then keep your mask on like in any other shop, but if you are staying in to drink it, then for obvious reasons take your mask off.

"For us, be it masks on or off, we feel we have set up the shop so that it is safe for customers and staff at all times (e.g. screen at till point, staff in face visors).

"Of greater concern for us is policing the minority who might take umbrage at the new rules.

"From a purely business perspective what are we supposed to do if someone flouts the guidelines e.g. do we refuse to serve someone a takeaway because they don't have a mask on - and, therefore, lose a sale, or serve them in the knowledge that we are then breaking the rules and possibly setting a bad example to the next person in the queue?

"Again, the Government has put the onus totally on the business owner, and put us in a potentially difficult position."

One Harrogate cafe the Harrogate Advertiser visited today pointed out that, while people sitting inside having lunch did not have to wear a face mask, people popping in for a takeaway coffee did have to.

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