Pune: PCB directs shopowners to bar customers without masks

PUNE: The Pune Cantonment Board (PCB) has directed the associations of traders and shopkeepers to ensure all customers enter their shops only if they wear face masks.
The move comes after a PCB squad entrusted with the implementation of social distancing norms, noticed a general indiscipline and total disregard among people in following the norms.
“Over the last fortnight, 178 people have been fined Rs100 each for not wearing masks in public places,” the PCB’s chief executive officer Amit Kumar said, adding action was also taken against those crowding and spitting in public places.
“We have been urging people to adhere to social distancing norms. At some places, we have seen people wearing masks in their homes, but ignoring the same in public places or market areas. Ignoring the norms will not only be risky for them, but also for their family members,” he said. Most violators were caught on the busy East Street and MG Road, which are known for shopping zones and eateries.
“We have told all shopkeepers to not allow persons into the establishments if they were not wearing masks. Shopkeepers can be fined up to Rs1,000 for violating this directive and can also be told to shut down their stores,” Kumar said.
Member shopkeepers and traders of Poona Camp Merchant Association said they had been following PCB’s directives. “No customer was permitted to enter without a mask,” Husain Gazibo, apparel shopowner on MG Road, said.
Sunil Athwani, owner of a sweet mart, said they were not allowing even the customers they knew to have food at their shop if they did not wear masks. Activist Sanjay Kawade said despite being at risk, people were seen without a mask at bazaar places. Activist-lawyer Netraprakash Bhog said everybody needed to be responsible and completely adhere to the government guidelines.