Man who refused to wear mask in Jedburgh store is first to be fined in Scotland

A man in a Jedburgh supermarket has become the first person in Scotland to be fined for not wearing a mask since it became compulsory.

A man who refused to wear a face covering in a Jedburgh supermarket has become the first person to be fined since it became compulsory in Scotland.

Police officers spoke to the man after he was seen not wearing a mask in the store last Thursday (July 16).

They advised him of the guidelines and was issued with a fixed penalty notice after he refused to comply.

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.”