Andy Burnham has has hit out at Tesco for failing to be 'Covid-safe' over the use of face coverings.
The Greater Manchester mayor accused the supermarket of having failed to take a 'responsible attitude' in enforcing the rules.
However, Tesco said that asking staff members to enforce the rules around face coverings puts them at risk of abuse.
Speaking to the Lords economic affairs committee, Mr Burnham said local leaders had called on the government to hand over powers to take targeted enforcement action against firms that fail to protect staff and customers.
“We asked for summary closure powers of all premises that were not deemed to be Covid-safe,” Mr Burnham said.
“I’m not just talking about pubs and restaurants. There are large supermarkets in Greater Manchester who in my view have not properly implemented the requirements around face coverings. And I’ll name one chain: Tesco."
He continued: “I don’t believe they’ve taken a responsible attitude to this issue, they’ve said it’s not for them to enforce. Well I do think it is for those organisations to enforce.
“We have asked for targeted summary closure powers to be able to temporarily close venues which we do not believe are adhering properly to the protocols.
“We think that would be a better approach than blanket restrictions that may or may not have the impact that the Government wants on the virus.”
Mr Burnham later clarified on Twitter that he thought supermarkets "should do more to protect staff by employing more store security".
A spokesperson for Tesco said: “Customers must wear face coverings when they shop in our stores, and everyone has their part to play in this, unless they are exempt in line with Government guidance.
"We have clear signage explaining this, and we have packs of face coverings available for purchase near the front of our stores for any customers who have forgotten them.
“The Government has set out reasons why customers may be exempt from wearing face coverings and has made clear that it is for the police, rather than individual retailers, to enforce this or determine if an exemption applies.
"Our colleagues do not have enforcement powers, and asking them to do this would put them at increased risk of verbal and physical abuse.”
Face coverings became mandatory in all retail venues, including supermarkets, on July 24.
At the time, union leaders voiced fears the rules could put workers’ safety at risk if there are abusive customers or people who refuse to wear a mask.
According to government guidance, premises where face coverings are required should take 'reasonable steps to promote compliance with the law'.
Police officers have been granted powers to issue fines of £200 to people found to be in breach of the regulations.
