A Dumfriesshire businessman has hit out after a member of staff suffered a barrage of abusive behaviour from two customers when asked to wear face masks inside the shop.
Former Royal Navy submariner, Graham Watson, described his shock and anger in a video clip on his Facebook page this week and revealed that it was “bile and vitriol that was forthcoming when we had the temerity to ask them to wear masks”.
And he has been inundated with messages of support for the staff and anger at the way they were treated.
The 54-year-old owns and runs Watson’s Grocers in Moniaive and was awarded the British Empire Medal for his selfless work supporting vulnerable, elderly and shielding residents during the Covid-19 crisis, with his staff.
He said he and his staff wear masks in the store and expect their customers to do so as well to keep the community safe in the pandemic – unless they have an exemption reason.
However, Nettie Squibb was met with a rant from two men who refused to put on masks.
Graham said: “There was no need to be abusive towards my staff. They were not nice men. They gave Nettie abuse and then left.
“I know it is difficult and people are fed up but this was uncalled for. We are a shop and we don’t want to get into a moral debate over Covid and people saying to us that it’s an infringement of human rights. It’s just rubbish.
“We are just trying to keep people safe.”
Explaining why he felt compelled to share the experience, he said: “These guys weren’t nice. It costs nothing to be courteous. When my staff get upset – I get upset.”
Among the Facebook comments one read: “It’s really terrible what some people think is acceptable behaviour. Good for you calling out this abuse. Poor Nettie, and anyone else who has to put up with this,” from Jackie Lee.
Mark Neil posted: “Well said Graham. You are in a shop for five minutes, think of others and wear a mask.”
Geoff Mckeand said: “Well said Graham. Bang out of order giving you or your staff abuse pal. You’re wearing a mask helping save folk getting ill. Well done Team Watson – take care.”
Another, from Mark Costello, said: “Everybody has an entitlement to their opinion but not their facts.
“You choose to keep your customers and staff safe. If people don’t like that, go to the other shop in Moniaive. We appreciate all that Team Watson has done for the community.” Gillian Thomson added: “Covid has been kept at bay in Moniaive by everyone following the rules. No-one deserves to be abused, especially not shop workers. It’s a simple request and unless they have proof of a medical reason for not wearing a mask they have to by law follow the rules.
“I believe that people who don’t want to wear masks should stay home and do their shopping online simple.”
Support also came from Gail Bell who shared her own experience of abusive behaviour over wearing face coverings.
She said: “I’m in Tesco’s now and I’ve had the same lady rant and preach at me about it being a conspiracy etc.
“It annoys me as. Like you say, we need to wear them all bloody day, so I rant along with you 100 per cent.”
