People living, working and visiting Nottingham are being asked for their views on proposals that could give officers new powers to tackle the use of face coverings linked to crime and anti-social behaviour.
Nottingham City Council has launched a two-week public consultation on a potential change to the city centre’s Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), which came into force on 27 July.
Under the proposed rules, authorised officers could ask someone to remove a face covering if they reasonably believe it is being used to hide their identity while committing crime, engaging in anti-social behaviour, or causing intimidation, harassment, alarm or distress.
However, the council has stressed that the proposal is not a blanket ban on face coverings.
People would still be able to wear masks, coverings or other face garments for reasons including religion, culture, health, work, weather conditions or personal safety.
The consultation comes after more than 1,300 people responded to an earlier city centre PSPO survey, where face coverings, masks and balaclavas emerged as one of the most frequently raised concerns.
Residents said they were often associated with intimidation and fears about anti-social behaviour and criminal activity.
Data gathered by Nottinghamshire Police and the city council identified more than 180 incidents involving face coverings or balaclavas between June 2025 and June 2026.
Around three-quarters of those incidents took place in Castle ward, including hotspots such as Old Market Square, Clumber Street and the area around the Victoria Centre.
Councillor Matt Shannon, Nottingham City Council’s Executive Member for Neighbourhoods, Waste and Equalities, said: “We want everyone to feel safe and confident when visiting Nottingham city centre.
“Residents and businesses raised clear concerns about face coverings during our previous consultation, particularly when they are used to conceal someone’s identity while they are involved in anti-social or criminal behaviour.
“This proposal is not a blanket ban and would not affect anyone wearing a face covering for a legitimate reason.”
The council says no decision has yet been made and is seeking feedback from residents, businesses, young people and regular city centre visitors before deciding whether to amend the PSPO.
The consultation includes an online survey, face-to-face engagement sessions and targeted discussions with businesses and youth groups.
A final decision will be made by the council’s Executive Board after responses have been reviewed.
The consultation closes at 11.59pm on Friday, August 14, 2026.
Residents can take part via this link https://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/information-for-residents/community/community-protection/public-spaces-protection-orders/
