Edinburgh shopper, 70, 'banned from Tesco' after complaining about maskless youths

Frightened by the situation, he asked a member of staff about Tesco’s mask policy

Mr Torley says he struggled to shop safely

A Capital OAP has been banned from Tesco after asking management why so many schoolchildren in his local superstore were not wearing masks.

Michael Torley, who lives in Polwarth, says he was met with a “swarm” of pupils from nearby Firrhill High when he ventured out to Tesco in Oxgangs to do some shopping for the first time after 17 weeks of avoiding crowded places.

He revealed his ordeal as First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced that she is considering making face coverings compulsory in schools and workplaces.

Mr Torley, 70, said: “About 50 schoolchildren were milling around the entrance of Tesco and about a third of them were not wearing masks.”

A “stampede” of unmasked school children then followed, pushing past elderly customers while heading for the sandwiches.

Mr Torley said: “I then watched them push past scared-looking old people to get to the self-checkouts first.”

Frightened by the situation, he asked a member of staff about Tesco’s mask policy and was told that as it was only advisory, they could not do anything about it.

He said: “I was told that as all of the schoolchildren might all be disabled there was nothing she could do. I was shocked they were all fit and fancy-free running about the shop.”

The retired building contractor made his way around the shelves, careful to avoid the hordes of unmasked pupils and was approached by a manager – identified only as “Dave” – as he tried to leave.

Mr Torley said that he had been very frightened by the number of unmasked youths and added that he didn’t think the store was safe – but says he was told the wearing of masks “was not law”.

Mr Torley phoned Oxgangs Police Station as the manager waved three unmasked women with prams into the store and told “Dave” he was writing to Tesco HQ about the incident.

He claims the manager told him he was banned and instructed him: “Don’t ever come to this store again, if you do we’ll eject you.”

Mr Torley added: “I feel frustrated by this situation because I have seen the pain and hurt that this virus causes to people but some staff or shoppers aren’t taking it seriously. I was trying to help reduce coronavirus but nobody else gave a toss.”

A Tesco spokesperson said: “The safety of our colleagues and customers is our top priority and we are encouraging all customers to follow our social distancing measures, including wearing face coverings when shopping with us.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson: “We received a report and suitable advice was given to the premises and the school.”

An Edinburgh City Council spokesperson said: “All our schools have made parents and pupils aware they should be following the latest Scottish Government and health advice both in and out of school. This includes the wearing face coverings when going into local shops at break times. We will ensure this safety message is reinforced to prevent any repeat.”

While children are not currently required to wear masks in school the First Minister said this guidance “may well” be updated today.

At First Minister’s Questions in Holyrood, Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie said teachers and parents had concerns about safety, saying “for schools to remain open they need to remain safe”.

He said: “The evidence is clear that face coverings can reduce the spread of the virus, which is why they’re needed in other indoor spaces.

“It’s just not credible to say transmission simply won’t happen in schools when we know the risk exists everywhere when social distancing doesn’t happen.”

Pointing out that he was concerned by pictures of crowded school corridors and canteens, he asked the First Minister: “Does she believe that face coverings should be worn in high schools where distancing is not possible?”

Ms Sturgeon said concerns from parents were “entirely understandable”.

She said: “In the vast bulk of the evidence so far the transmission is not within the schools. It’s community transmission that is causing issues for schools.”

“I do think this is something we have to constantly review and I’m sure it will be a topic of discussion at the education recovery group tomorrow.”

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