Full Breakdown
Nottingham to Consider Ban on Balaclavas in City Centre
8/22/2026, 9:31:16 PM
Core Proposal
Nottingham City Council is reviewing a proposal to add a restriction on face coverings, including balaclavas, to the city-centre Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO). If approved, authorised officers could require anyone “reasonably believed” to be using a face covering to conceal their identity for crime or anti-social behaviour to remove it. The measure would not apply to coverings worn for legitimate reasons such as religion, health, work, weather or personal safety. The council plans to present a formal recommendation to its Executive Board in September, with a possible ban taking effect by the end of the year.
Background & Context
The proposal is part of Operation Reclaim, a partnership launched in May that brings together Nottinghamshire Police, the Police and Crime Commissioner’s office, Nottingham City Council, the homelessness charity Framework and the business group It’s in Nottingham. The operation targets youth anti-social behaviour, illegal e-bikes, drug dealing, rough sleeping, aggressive begging and retail crime.
A city-wide survey in May asked residents, businesses, students and visitors where they felt most unsafe. Respondents highlighted lighting, graffiti and the presence of face coverings as concerns. A public consultation earlier this year received more than 1,300 responses, with many linking balaclavas to intimidation and fear. Councillor Matt Shannon noted that over 2,200 people had taken part in the latest consultation.
Data & Statistics
- 821 arrests have been made by Nottinghamshire Police since May.
- 16 Criminal Behaviour Orders have been issued, some banning offenders from the city centre.
- 35 young people have been placed on an anti-social-behaviour watchlist.
- The partnership reports a 42 % reduction in reported anti-social behaviour involving the targeted group.
Official Statements & Responses
Council Director for Communities, Colin Parr, said the consultation showed “significant public support” and that recommendations will be drafted for political leaders “in the coming weeks.”
Councillor Matt Shannon, Executive Member for Community Protection, thanked the respondents and said the council will use the feedback to shape the final proposal.
Jacob Cooke, operations manager of the Immediate Justice programme, explained that the scheme offers reparative outcomes such as community cleaning and volunteering, aiming to prevent reoffending and to treat offenders as people rather than criminals.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Interestingly in the feedback that we got from the community, it is that [balaclavas] made them feel inherently unsafe.” — Police Supt Chris Pearson
- “Having that intervention and discussing with them their offences on the ground, it also allows us to see them as people and not criminals which is really important.” — Jacob Cooke, Immediate Justice
What’s Next
The council will review all consultation responses and submit a formal recommendation to the Executive Board in September. If the board approves the amendment, the restriction could be enacted before the end of the year, giving police the authority to remove balaclavas deemed to be used for intimidation, crime or anti-social behaviour.
