A new ruling which makes wearing a mask compulsory in bars and restaurants from today, September 24, should have been brought in sooner, according to almost 75% of Nottinghamshire Live readers, who voted in our poll.
On the day a 10pm curfew comes into effect, customers and staff now have to wear masks when leaving or entering an establishment or walking around the premises, unless they are exempt for medical reasons.
Table service has also become mandatory - so no more more queuing at the bar is allowed.
Announcing the new measures earlier this week Prime Minister Boris Johnson said those who flouted the law would be fined.
A total of 73% of readers agreed that the face covering rule should have been enforced sooner, when businesses reopened after lockdown in July.
The remaining 27% disagreed.
Commenting on yesterday's story about a Notts cafe owner who welcomed the new ruling, Odette Brightmore said: "Everyone knows they should wear a mask to stop the spread - just selfish and ignorant not to wear one!"
Simon Morris posted: "I work in sales. No mask then you don't get served. If you can't wear a mask, you can wear a visor," while Gaz Sun wrote: "Should have to have a card from the doctor by law to show exemption. It stinks how many just can’t be bothered to wear them when they’re perfectly capable of doing so."
Rob Bradshaw added: "Basic respiratory hygiene: cover your mouth and nose, keep your hands clean, don't touch your face without washing your hands first. Significant risk reduction, also works for any respiratory virus."
Some readers argued that it wasn't law but Nigel Setchfield contested: "These are the same people that do not recognise ANY authority, rule, regulation, requirement or shred of common courtesy or respect for other human beings."
