Nottingham enforces balaclava ban amid crime concerns

Nottingham has become the first major UK city to enforce a targeted ban on face coverings in its city centre, granting police and council officers new powers to order individuals to remove balaclavas or masks linked to crime, antisocial behaviour, or intimidation. The measure, which took effect on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, allows authorities to issue on-the-spot fines of £70, confiscate coverings, and refer offenders to an immediate justice programme requiring community work. Repeat violators could face criminal behaviour orders banning them from the city centre indefinitely. The ban was introduced by Nottingham City Council following a public consultation in which more than 90% of over 2,200 respondents supported police action. Nottinghamshire Police reported identifying more than 180 city centre incidents involving face coverings or balaclavas between June 2025 and June 2026. Superintendent Chris Pearson stated that young men wearing balaclavas were often linked to drug dealing and weapons, creating an intimidating environment.