Full Breakdown
Nottingham City Council to Ban Non-Religious Face Coverings in City Centre
9/8/2026, 7:58:56 PM
Core Event: New Mask-Free Zone Effective 15 September
From Tuesday 15 September, police officers and community protection officers appointed by Nottingham City Council will be authorised to ask anyone wearing a face covering to remove it if they “reasonably believe” the covering is being used to conceal identity while committing crime or anti-social behaviour, or if it is worn in a manner that intimidates, harasses, alarms or distresses others. Failure to comply can result in an on-the-spot fine of £70 or prosecution with a maximum penalty of £1,000. The powers do not apply to coverings worn for legitimate reasons such as religion, culture, health, work, weather or personal safety; officers must assess each case individually.
Background & Context
The ban builds on a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) that began in July 2023, giving officers tools to curb aggressive charity collections, noisy busking, public urination and unauthorised magazine sales. It follows a series of anti-social incidents recorded by Nottinghamshire Police, including more than 180 reports in the 12 months to June 2023 involving youths and gangs concealing their identities with balaclavas. An episode in November 2022 saw two masked groups confront each other with machetes at the Winter Wonderland market, heightening public concern about safety.
Data & Statistics
- Over 2,200 members of the public responded to the consultation, with more than 90 % supporting the restriction.
- Police and council data cite over 180 anti-social behaviour and crime incidents linked to face coverings in the year to June 2023.
- The PSPO and the new mask-free zone aim to address intimidation, theft, public disorder and weapons-related incidents identified by Operation Reclaim.
Official Statements & Responses
Neghat Khan, leader of Nottingham City Council, said residents have expressed fear when encountering balaclavas or similar coverings without a legitimate reason. Matt Shannon, executive member for community protection, neighbourhoods and equalities, said the power will be applied proportionately and based on individual circumstances, with exemptions remaining for religious, medical or other legitimate reasons.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Our residents should be able to live, work and spend time in Nottingham without feeling frightened or unsafe,” — Neghat Khan
- “This new power will be used proportionately and based on individual circumstances to give our teams another tool to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in our city.” — Matt Shannon
Why It Matters
The restriction aims to reduce intimidation reported by shoppers, workers and residents in the city centre. By giving officers authority to intervene when a face covering is used to hide identity during criminal activity, the council hopes to lower fear of crime and improve public confidence in safety. The measure aligns Nottingham with other UK authorities that have introduced similar bans.
What’s Next
The mask-free zone will be operational from 15 September 2023. Officers will assess each situation to determine whether a covering is being used for a legitimate purpose. Individuals who refuse to remove a non-legitimate covering may receive a £70 fine on the spot or face prosecution with a potential £1,000 penalty. The council will monitor the impact of the ban and report on its effectiveness in reducing anti-social behaviour and enhancing public safety.
