Gardaí will only be called to police the wearing of face masks in shops as a "last resort".
That's according to the Justice Minister, as groups representing retailers appeal for staff not to be the ones made to enforce the rules.
Face coverings must now be worn in all shops, retail settings and shopping centres to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Regulations are being drawn up to enforce the new rules, after similar legislation came into force for public transport this week.
Retail Ireland has said it is crucial that it's 'does not fall to retail staff to ensure compliance' with the new rules.
Minister Helen McEntee is confident the public will comply, without the need for it to be policed.
She said: "When it comes to the proposal that this would extend to shops and wider spaces... this is something that's currently being worked through at the Department of Health.
"Again, they should be where the gardaí are called in as a last resort.
"We're asking people to comply: we're asking people to do so because it's for their good, and also for everyone else's good."
The public transport regulations set out that those who refuse to wear a mask could face a fine of up to €2,500 and a possible jail term of up to six months.
However, people don't have to wear face coverings if they have a reasonable excuse - such as a physical or mental illnesses which impacts someone's ability to put on, wear or take off a mask.
The rules also don't apply to children under the age of 13.
