People going into takeaways to pick up food or drink in England will have to wear face masks from tomorrow (July 24).
Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis spoke to Sky News to clarify the regulations coming in, which will see rule-breakers land £100 fines.
From tomorrow, it will be mandatory to wear a face covering in shops and supermarkets under new coronavirus restrictions.
People do not have to wear a mask in restaurants or bars, because it is impossible to wear one while eating or drinking, the Mirror reports.
But that left questions over what happens if you are picking up coffee or food from businesses like Pret a Manger and McDonald's.
Mr Lewis has now said you do not need a mask if you are eating or drinking in the takeaway.
But if you are paying for food or drink then taking it out, you do need a mask.
The minister told Sky News: "Obviously if you’re in a food outlet it’s not practical to wear a face mask.
“What changes from tomorrow is if you’re in a retail environment, if you’re in a shop or a supermarket, you should be wearing a face mask.
“If you’re going into Pret a Manger and you are eating in Pret a Manger, which in some of their stores you can, then obviously you wouldn’t be wearing a face mask because you’re eating.
“But it’s clear, good common sense that if you’re going in to buy a takeaway, and leaving again, you’re treating it like a shop - and you should be wearing a face mask.”
Asked if he was sure, after Tory ministers gave conflicting advice and Michael Gove failed to wear a mask in Pret, Mr Lewis replied: “Yes.”
Mr Lewis said people will also need to wear masks from tomorrow in high street banks and indoor petrol station counters, as those are effectively a retail outlet.
Mr Lewis insisted the rules were "reasonable common sense".
Health Secretary Matt Hancock will publish an order later today to amend the Public Health Act 1984 to make face masks compulsory in shops in England.
They are already compulsory on public transport in England.
For more information about the rules and who is exempt, see here.
