CUSTOMERS say they feel at risk as pupils in Dunfermline defy rules on wearing a face mask in shops.

The Press has been contacted by readers concerned by the lack of teens wearing face masks in public places but neither schools nor shops can enforce the public health measure.

Mary Gilbert witnessed a large group of Queen Anne pupils gathering at Tesco's Fire Station supermarket where she claimed a majority of youngsters were going into the store without a mask.

The Dunfermline woman questioned staff members on why they were allowed in but was told they had "no authority to stop them".

"It seems it's an act of defiance for the pupils," Mary said.

"The Scottish Government tell us that we must wear masks in shops but they're just ignoring it."

Fife Council say pupils have been made fully aware that they need to wear face masks and have also written to parents.

The Scottish Government also reiterated that pupils should be wearing masks in shops but retailers couldn't enforce it as Police Scotland have the power to issue fines.

Another reader also highlighted problems with Queen Anne pupils not wearing face masks or adhering to social-distancing when going to the Golden Chip or the Co-Op on Pilmuir Street.

She also claimed she had witnessed most pupils not wearing masks on buses to school and called it a "disaster waiting to happen".

Maria Lloyd, Fife Council's head of education, said: "All our children in Fife have been made fully aware of how they are expected to behave when outside the school at lunchtime, particularly during this time.

"A letter was sent to all parents asking them to remind their children that, if they are leaving school to get their lunch, they must wear a face-covering in shops.

"This is a matter for individual business owners to decide if they want to refuse entry."

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “School re-opening guidance states that if children and young people go offsite for lunch, they should follow the rules in place for wider society, for example wearing a face-covering when entering a shop, and that schools may wish to contact local shops to alert them to plans. Risk assessments should consider procedures for when children and young people leave and return to school premises, including hand hygiene.

“It is mandatory to wear a face-covering on public transport, in shops and in certain indoor public places to prevent the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) – though some exemptions apply.

“Retailers can ask people to wear a face-covering – but staff should not enforce the wearing of face-coverings. This role is for Police Scotland who can issue fixed notice penalties.”

A Tesco spokesperson said: “In line with guidance from the Scottish Government, customers in Scotland will need to wear a face-covering when visiting our stores.”