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Date Set for 'Balaclava Ban' in Nottingham City Centre
Council leaders said 90% of 2,200 consultation responses backed the move, which gives officers power to act against coverings linked to crime or intimidation.
Nottingham City Council will implement a ban on face coverings in the city centre from Tuesday, allowing officers to intervene when coverings conceal identities used to commit crime or anti-social behaviour.
Concerns over safety peaked last year after two groups of youths brandishing machetes confronted one another in Old Market Square during the Winter Wonderland Christmas market, prompting the council's new restriction.
More than 2,200 people participated in a two-week consultation with 90 per cent supporting the action. Leader Neghat Khan said the authority is taking "decisive action" to ensure residents feel safe.
Under the Public Spaces Protection Order, officers can require individuals to remove coverings if they "reasonably believe" they conceal identity to commit crime; refusal may result in a £70 fine or maximum £1,000 penalty.
This PSPO will not apply to coverings worn for legitimate reasons, including religious, cultural, health, work, weather, or personal safety reasons; officers must determine legitimacy to ensure proportionate enforcement.