IKEA Poland have declared that they will not serve customers who don’t wear masks, unless they are exempt from covering their face for medical reasons.
The policy was announced on IKEA’s social media channels on Friday, and comes after the Polish Government gave retailers the power to refuse to serve customers without a mask.
Since the law came into force, many supermarkets have chosen not to use the powers, presumably because they don’t want to lose clients.
For example, Danuta Pawłowska, Biedronka’s Health and Safety director, says that Biedronka have informed their employees about the new guidelines on face covers and made them aware of this issue” However, the budget supermarket chain have not clearly stated that they would refuse custom to those not wearing masks.
IKEA, however, have decided to take decisive action:
Dear Customers, on the basis of the Regulation of the Council of Ministers of August 7th 2020, Chapter 3, par. 24, covering one’s mouth and nose is compulsory at IKEA stores. Persons not complying with this requirement, apart from those exempted under the applicable law, will not be served. Let’s take care of each other!
We would like to emphasize that the safety of all customers as well as our employees is our highest priority. We operate in accordance with Polish law and within its limits.
We make every effort to ensure that our customer space meet the requirements set by the Polish sanitary services, as well as global IKEA standards. We remind you of the obligation to cover the mouth and nose in the store in accordance with the Regulation of the Council of Ministers of August 7, 2020, pursuant to Chapter 3, par. 24.
In addition, we provide access to disinfectants in our stores, and we encourage you to keep a safe social distance when shopping.
IKEA Poland, writing on Facebook
