Nottingham police and city council are implementing new powers to curb the use of balaclavas and similar face coverings in public spaces, aimed at deterring crime and anti-social behavior. The restrictions, set to take effect on Tuesday, will permit police and council officers to require individuals to remove face coverings when their identity is being concealed for the purpose of committing a crime or engaging in anti-social conduct.
These measures are part of a Public Spaces Protection Order and carry penalties including £70 on-the-spot fines, confiscation of the face covering, and referral to an Immediate Justice Programme that mandates community work. The initiative is a component of a broader strategy to enhance safety in Nottingham, a city recently identified as the seventh most unsafe in the country.
Evidence collected by Nottinghamshire Police documented over 180 incidents in the city center involving face coverings or balaclavas between June 2025 and June 2026. The crackdown is not a wholesale ban on face coverings; instead, it specifically targets individuals using them for criminal, anti-social, or intimidating purposes. Exemptions are in place for legitimate reasons, including religious, health, medical, or work-related needs.
Superintendent Chris Pearson of Nottinghamshire Police stated that officers will intervene with individuals wearing balaclavas or similar coverings if there is suspicion of involvement in crime or anti-social behavior. "We will then use all the powers at our disposal to ensure they cannot wear that item again," Pearson said. "This is all about disrupting criminality. I can't be clearer – we don't want you in our city centre if you are going to cause these problems. Residents have had enough. Businesses have had enough. We've had enough."
Nottingham City Council introduced the restriction following concerns raised by residents, businesses, and visitors about the wearing of face coverings without a valid reason. A public consultation on the matter garnered over 2,200 responses, with more than 90 percent in favor of action.
Responses from the public varied. Some residents expressed support, citing concerns about anonymity and potential for suspicious activity. Others voiced reservations, questioning enforceability and the potential impact on legitimate users of face coverings, such as delivery drivers or individuals facing cold weather. Concerns were also raised about whether the ban might disproportionately affect certain groups or be difficult to implement fairly.
Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Gary Godden believes the new powers will help strip away the "veil of anonymity" some individuals use. He also expressed satisfaction that the immediate justice program will be utilized for offenders, ensuring they contribute visibly to the community.
Individuals who repeatedly violate the order could face a Criminal Behaviour Order, potentially leading to an indefinite ban from the city center. The measures are intended to disrupt criminal activity and address community concerns about intimidation and anti-social behavior associated with the wearing of face coverings in public.