A ban on face coverings in Nottingham city centre is set to be enforced from Tuesday, September 15. This measure will allow police and community protection officers to request the removal of coverings if they have a reasonable belief that they are being used to conceal identity for the purpose of committing crime or anti-social behaviour.
Individuals who do not cooperate with such requests could face an on-the-spot fine of £70 or prosecution, with a potential maximum penalty of £1,000. Nottingham City Council Leader, Neghat Khan, stated that residents have reported feeling intimidated by people wearing balaclavas, skeleton masks, or other face coverings without a legitimate reason.
The enforcement will not apply to face coverings worn for legitimate reasons, including those for religious, cultural, health, work, weather, or personal safety. Officers will be responsible for determining whether a covering is being worn legitimately. The city council reported that over 90% of more than 2,200 people consulted on the issue supported the measure.
Matt Shannon, executive member for community protection, neighbourhoods and equalities at the council, said the new power would be used proportionately to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour. The powers to enforce the face covering ban will be added to an existing Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) that came into effect in July.