Shoppers in Nottingham's Victoria Centre will be given the option on whether or not to wear a mask when Covid restrictions are eased next week.
The Government confirmed on Monday (July 12) that step four of its roadmap for lifting Covid-19 measures will go ahead, including relaxing rules around compulsory mask wearing from July 19.
While individual shops are allowed to make their own mask-wearing rules, the Victoria Centre has announced it will let people walking through the centre decide for themselves if they wish to continue wearing a mask.
Mask wearing will not be enforced, but those who wish to wear one are 'welcome' to do so.
The shopping centre has also announced that it will add a list to its website it shops where mask wearing will still be a requirement.
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Nigel Wheatley, centre director at the Victoria Centre, said: “The safety and comfort of our shoppers remains our number one priority.
"We understand that many people visiting our centre will still want to continue using face coverings to help keep each other safe and we certainly welcome their use on the malls.
"Individual stores are likely to have their own policies on the use of face coverings and we will be adding a list to our website so people can check before they visit.
“Hand sanitising stations will remain throughout the centre, including exits and entrances and we encourage customers to use them when they visit us.
"We will also continue with our enhanced cleaning of key touch points, including toilets, escalators and seating areas, which will be back on the malls after being removed at the start of the pandemic.”
Despite the relaxing of restrictions, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has asked people to remain cautious in crowded settings.
Social distancing and legal limits on gatherings will end from Monday, but the use of domestic vaccine passports and face masks will be encouraged.
Despite the Government asking people to wear masks in crowded settings, there will be no legal requirement to do so as has previously been the case in the pandemic.
A statement on the Government website reads: "The majority of legal restrictions will be removed and people will be expected to protect themselves and others through informed choice.
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"The government expects and recommends that face coverings are worn in crowded and enclosed spaces, such as public transport, when mixing with people you don’t normally meet.
"While the government is no longer instructing people to work from home, a return to the workplace should be gradual and businesses should follow the published guidance.
"Organisations and large events will be supported and encouraged to use the NHS Covid Pass in high-risk settings to help limit the risk of infection in their venues.
"Quarantine rules will remain for all those travelling from a red list country, and for amber list countries unless double vaccinated.
"The government will review the current guidance in September."
