Face mask U-turn: Walmart, Home Depot, Walgreens and CVS are among stores saying they WILL serve cus

• Major U.S. retailers brought in rules requiring masks to be worn by customers

• However, the rules appear to be little more than a suggestion with stores powerless to deal with those who refuse

• The requirement for customers to wear facial coverings have sometimes brought violent reactions from some patrons who have refused to comply

• Companies that had previously announced a 'mask-on' policy now say they won't challenge customers who refuse to wear them and police will also not be called

• Retailers are trying to walk a fine line between enforcement and friendly service

• Some stores have stated that if a customer refuses to comply they will be served quickly and encouraged to order online to avoid future encounters

Days after announcing customers are required to wear face masks while shopping in their stores, major U.S. retailers appear to be showing leniency in how the rules are enforced.

Walmart, Home Depot, Lowe's, Walgreens and CVS had initially required shoppers to wear masks but now in the hope of avoiding confrontations between angry customers and employees it appears to be little more than a suggestion, rather than a legally enforceable instruction.

Having retailers take on the role of the 'mask police' puts them in an uncomfortable position at a time when many shops are in no position financially to refuse business.