City council pursues ban on use of face covering as part of criminal or anti-social behaviour

The council said this would not apply to coverings worn for religious purposes, or in cases of medical need or other reasonable causes.

The restriction is an addition to the city centre Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), and will allow authorised officers to require removal a face covering used to conceal someone’s identity while involved in crime or anti-social behaviour, or where worn to cause intimidation, harassment, alarm or distress.

Nottingham said a public consultation had found concerns about people wearing balaclavas, skeleton masks and other face coverings without a legitimate reason in the city centre.

Council leader Neghat Khan said: “We have listened to people across Nottingham who have told us that they can feel intimidated when they see individuals wearing balaclavas, skeleton masks or other face coverings without a legitimate reason in our city centre.

“Our residents should be able to live, work and spend time in Nottingham without feeling frightened or unsafe.”

Cllr Khan said more than 2,200 people took part in the consultation fo whom more than 90% supported the restriction, which will take effect on Tuesday 15 September.

Mark Smulian