Borough Market legally enforces mask wearing

Borough Market is the first outdoor space in the UK to legally enforce mask wearing and will be able to fine visitors not wearing face masks £50.

As reported by Eater London, the capital’s oldest food market, located in London Bridge, is able to enforce mask wearing among its visitors due to having its own set of bylaws.

People found to be not wearing protective face masks while visiting the market may be fined up to £50 unless they are medically exempt.

“I think we just have to be responsible. We’re open as an essential retailer, but we want to keep it safe for everybody,” Kate Howell, the director of development at the Borough Market, told ITV.

The new rules came into play on 11 January and apply to both visitors and market vendors.

The government has yet to make it mandatory to wear a protective face covering in outdoor settings, though chief medical officer Chris Whitty has said it would be sensible to do so in crowded outdoor spaces like food markets.

Last week the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan declared an emergency in London due to soaring coronavirus cases.