What is happening in Nottingham and why have balaclavas been banned?

• Nottingham has introduced new powers allowing police and council officers to order the removal of balaclavas and face coverings when used to conceal identity while committing crime or engaging in antisocial behaviour.
• Offenders face £70 on-the-spot fines, face covering confiscation, and compulsory community work through an immediate justice programme, with persistent offenders risking indefinite bans from the city centre.
• The crackdown follows strong public backing, with over 90% of consultation respondents supporting action after Nottinghamshire Police recorded more than 180 city centre incidents involving face coverings between June 2025 and June 2026.
• Superintendent Chris Pearson highlighted that masked young males have caused substantial intimidation through drug dealing, weapon possession, and dangerous acts such as throwing objects and fireworks off building roofs.
• The policy is not a blanket ban and includes exemptions for religious, health, medical, or work reasons, with body-worn video camera footage being monitored to ensure the powers are used fairly and proportionately.