Jedburgh shopper handed Scotland's first fine for refusing to wear face covering
It was issued six days after they became mandatory
Last updated 24th Jul 2020
A shopper in the Scottish Borders has become the first person in Scotland to be issued with a fine for failing to wear a face covering.
Police say he was approached by officers in a Jedburgh supermarket, who reminded him of the rules.
He was then given a fixed penalty notice for refusing to comply.
It happened on Thursday July 16, nearly a full week after it became mandatory to wear a face covering in Scotland's shops on July 10.
Customers who don't wear one can be hit with a ÂŁ60 fine.
From today, it's also the law in England.
Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie said: "The Chief Constable has made it clear that we are asking people to take personal responsibility to do the right thing and remember the purpose of these measures is to aid the collective effort to stay safe, protect others and save lives by preventing the virus from spreading.
"Our officers will continue to engage with the public, explain the legislation and guidance and encourage compliance. We will use enforcement as a last resort only where there is a clear breach of the legislation.
"A number of exemptions exist that mean certain people are not required to wear a face covering in a shop.
"We would encourage people to raise any concerns with business owners or staff in the first instance."
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