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Stafford Borough Council Moves to Ban Face Coverings in Public Spaces

6/24/2026, 9:02:20 PM

New Public Spaces Protection Order Bans Face Coverings

Stafford Borough Council approved an updated Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) that will prohibit the wearing of face coverings in and around the town, except where they are required for genuine religious observance or health reasons. The measure is slated to take effect when the current PSPO expires in December 2026, after a consultation period. Breaches will attract a fixed-penalty notice of up to £100.

Background: Tackling Emerging Anti-Social Behaviour

The council’s report identified an “emerging issue of youth adults” wearing coverings that were linked to harassment, alarm or distress. The updated PSPO also adds provisions to curb unauthorised building access, rooftop intrusion and loitering likely to lead to anti-social conduct. At the same time, the order relaxes existing amplified-busking restrictions, limiting prohibitions to areas where busking creates a nuisance.

Key Figures and Groups

Councillor Jill Hood – Cabinet member for community, who championed the amendment.

Stafford Borough Council – The local authority responsible for drafting, approving, and enforcing the PSPO.

Timeline and Implementation Details

Thursday (date unspecified) – PSPO amendment approved by the borough council.

Consultation phase – Ongoing, with stakeholders invited to comment before final adoption.

December 2026 – The updated PSPO replaces the existing order; the face-covering ban becomes enforceable.

Data and Penalties

Fixed-penalty notice (FPN): Up to £100 for non-compliant individuals.

Exemptions: Persons wearing face coverings for recognized religious practices or health-related reasons are not subject to the ban.

Busking: Restrictions eased, allowing performances unless they cause a demonstrable nuisance.

Official Statements and Rationale

The council framed the ban as a response to intimidation linked to concealed identities, asserting that “public safety and reassurance” are paramount in busy town-centre locations. Officials highlighted that the fear generated by concealed faces can be as unsettling as an actual crime, and that the broader PSPO updates aim to reduce unauthorised access and loitering that may precipitate anti-social incidents. The relaxation of busking rules was presented as a measure to restore the high-street atmosphere that had been lost for several months.

Verbatim Quotes

“I'm sure we've all seen the young people who appear to have black face coverings - used to intimidate or enable antisocial behaviour.” — Jill Hood, Councillor, Cabinet Member for Community

“This will not be permitted.” — Jill Hood

“Fear of crime can be just as intimidating as an actual crime occurring.” — Jill Hood

“For a few months we've lost that – visitors used to come to the busking areas and they're now asking when they will be back. We can tell them it's very soon,” — Jill Hood

“emerging issue of youth adults” — Stafford Borough Council report

Impact and Community Response

Council officials anticipate that the ban will deter intimidation tactics linked to concealed identities, thereby enhancing perceived safety in public zones. The easing of busking restrictions is expected to revive street-level entertainment, a factor cited as contributing to the town’s vibrancy and visitor appeal.

What’s Next

The consultation will run through the remainder of 2025, allowing residents, businesses and civil-rights groups to submit feedback. Following the consultation, the council will finalise the PSPO and prepare enforcement protocols ahead of the December 2026 rollout.