CREWE shoppers are being reminded they will need to wear face masks in stores from tomorrow.

Under the new rules those aged 11 and over not covering up face fines of up to £100, although it appears some retailers, including supermarket giant Sainsburys, will be giving people plenty of leeway.

Crewe Volkswagen on Weston Road tweeted "From Friday 24th July, if you are planning to visit any of our dealerships, you will need to be wearing a face mask!"

The Swansway Motor Group dealership reopened its showroom on June 1 and has been adhering to strict social distancing measures.

But there remains confusion over the mask guidelines in some quarters. The Department of Health and Social Care has confirmed coverings will be needed in takeaway shops if people intend leaving with their food and coffee.

Yet if they sit down to eat or drink they will be able to remove their face covering because, as minister Brandon Lewis has said, they are in "a hospitality venue rather than a retail venue".

The World Health Organisation (WHO) initially doubted the effectiveness of face masks in preventing the spread of coronavirus, but has now recommended they are worn in indoor public spaces.

Sainsbury's, however, has told its Twitter followers: "We won't be challenging customers without a mask when they enter or when they are in-store since they may have a reason not to wear a mask."

Last month the government made it compulsory to wear masks on public transport.

Breaching the new face mask rules could see people slapped with £100 fines, reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days, but Cheshire Police stress this will be a last resort for officers.

Those exempt from wearing masks include those with a disability or specific medical condition as well as children under the age of 11. The new law does not apply to staff working in shops and people are not required to wear masks inside pubs, bars or restaurants.

Cheshire Police Superintendent Julie Westgate said: "These changes should act as a reminder to everyone that COVID-19 has not gone away and it is essential we continue to do all we can to reduce the spread of this virus.

"Everyone needs to play their part and take personal responsibility by ensuring they follow the guidance and wear a face covering whenever required. While police do have the power to issue fines to anyone this will be a last resort and we are relying on the goodwill of the people of Cheshire in sticking to the rules."

The constabulary is also urging people not to shop those not complying with the rules and attempt an amicable solution wherever possible.

"If you are out and about in a retail store and see somebody who you believe may be breaching the regulations, please don't call 101 straight away – we would urge you to speak to a store worker who can then attempt to resolve the issue within the store," added the police chief.

"In cases where store workers are unable to resolve the issue, they themselves can contact police for support."

Masks must cover the wearer's mouth and nose.

Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner David Keane added: "I would urge Cheshire residents to respect retail workers who may encourage the wearing of face coverings. Any aggression or abuse towards retail workers will not be tolerated."