Morrisons apologises after staff phoned police on man who refused to wear mask

The supermarket chain said the exchange between the man and a security guard, which was filmed and shared widely on social media, was ‘very much an isolated incident and not Morrisons policy’.

In the video, the guard tells the shopper a new Morrisons policy means everyone has to wear a mask, exemption lanyard, or sticker.

The customer repeatedly refuses to wear a sticker offered to him, however, claiming an unspecified medical condition.

It is not known where the incident took place, which resulted in the police being called.

Face masks are mandatory in supermarkets in England and Wales but shoppers with certain disabilities and physical or mental conditions are exempt.

A spokesperson for Morrisons said: “We're sorry the customer has had this experience, as our store marshals are well-trained and understanding of those who are medically exempt.“We're following government guidelines to keep our colleagues and customers safe.

"Those who are offered a face covering and decline to wear one won’t be allowed to shop at Morrisons, unless they are medically exempt."

The supermarket introduced a stricter policy on face coverings last month amid rising coronavirus infections.

The spokesperson added: “We're also part of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard scheme, so any customers with a hidden disability who would like a lanyard can get these in store too. But customers aren't obliged to do so.”

“This is so that colleagues and customers inside the store are aware that the customer is medically exempt."