Published • loading... • Updated
Balaclava ban comes into force in Nottingham city centre
Officers can order removal of coverings used to hide identity for crime or antisocial behaviour, with repeat refusal risking a £70 penalty.
- On Tuesday, Nottingham City Council enforced a ban on balaclavas and face coverings in the city centre, allowing police to order removal if they "reasonably believe" coverings conceal identity to commit crime, with refusal risking a £70 penalty or £1,000 fine.
- Nottingham City Council leader Neghat Khan said residents felt intimidated by face coverings without legitimate reasons, and more than 90% of over 2,000 survey respondents supported the measure to help people feel safer.
- Labour councillor Matt Shannon confirmed the council is coordinating with Nottinghamshire Police under "Operation Reclaim" to target drug networks, with exemptions for religious, medical, work, or safety reasons.
- Nottingham Trent University student Jaden Dale said he was "pretty glad" about the ban, noting intimidating behaviour is a concern, while Shayma Muhammadqboliyom added it is "important to recognise his face" for safety.
- Stafford Borough Council approved similar prohibitions earlier this year, and West Midlands leaders expressed interest in following Nottingham's lead; separately, Reform leader Nigel Farage recently called for a national ban on full face coverings.
Insights by Ground AI
5 Articles
5 Articles
Coverage Details
Total News Sources5
Leaning Left1Leaning Right2Center1Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Right
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Right
50% Right
L 25%
C 25%
R 50%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
