The owner of one of Norwich’s oldest stores has said it is “not a big ask” to require customers wear face coverings while shopping.

Eastern Daily Press: Steve Scott, owner of Langleys. Pic: ArchantSteve Scott, owner of Langleys. Pic: Archant (Image: Archant)

Steve Scott, who runs Langleys with a shop in the Royal Arcade and Chapelfield, said it would become the “new norm” to wear a mask while shopping.

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It comes as the government has made wearing a face covering in shops and supermarkets mandatory from July 24 or else face a £100 fine.

Mr Scott said: “I don’t think it will deter shoppers, I think people are fairly compliant. I think it will become the new norm, and people have two choices; sit at home or accept it’s a measure of fortifying the progress we’ve made so far.

“I haven’t been wearing a face mask but it’s belt and braces and I’m waiting on clarity on using visors which are a lot more comfortable. Staff have been wearing face masks, they like wearing the Batman ones. It’s not up to staff to police it and any troublemakers will be given short shrift, but it’s not a big ask when there’s a national emergency.”

Langleys has had a presence in Norwich since 1883.

Eastern Daily Press: Langleys in the Royal Arcade. Pic: ArchantLangleys in the Royal Arcade. Pic: Archant (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Shoppers in Norwich wearing face masks. Picture: Brittany WoodmanShoppers in Norwich wearing face masks. Picture: Brittany Woodman (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Ali Dent, a butcher in Hilgay. Pic: ArchantAli Dent, a butcher in Hilgay. Pic: Archant (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Minnie Moll, chief executive at Jarrold. Pic: ArchantMinnie Moll, chief executive at Jarrold. Pic: Archant (Image: Archant)