Nottingham is set to become one of the first cities in the UK to introduce new powers aimed at tackling the intimidating use of face coverings and helping people feel safer in the city centre.
The measure, added to the city centre's Public Spaces Protection Order, will let authorised officers require a person to remove a face covering where it is used to conceal their identity while committing crime or anti-social behaviour, or where it causes intimidation, harassment, alarm or distress.
Council leader Neghat Khan said residents had raised concerns about people wearing balaclavas and skeleton masks without legitimate reason, adding that more than 2,200 people took part in the consultation, with over 90% supporting the action.
‘Our residents should be able to live, work and spend time in Nottingham without feeling frightened or unsafe. That is why we are taking decisive action and becoming one of the first cities in the country to introduce a restriction of this kind,’ said Cllr Khan.
Officials stressed this is not a blanket ban, with clear exemptions for religious observance, health needs, work and personal safety.
