UK city introduces face-covering restrictions to tackle ‘anti-social behavior’

Nottingham authorities can now order removal of face coverings linked to crime, intimidation

Restrictions on wearing face coverings in Nottingham city center came into force Tuesday as authorities seek to tackle crime, intimidation and anti-social behavior. Nottinghamshire Police said in a statement that the city has become one of the first in the UK to introduce restrictions on face coverings such as balaclavas. "The order, which has been backed by the public, will provide police officers and council officers the power to require a person to remove their face covering where their identity is being concealed to commit crime or anti-social behaviour," it added. Under the measure, police have a range of powers, including issuing £70 ($94) on-the-spot fines, confiscating face coverings and referring offenders to the Immediate Justice Program. Police said repeat offenders could be banned from the city center indefinitely. The measure was introduced after Nottinghamshire Police identified more than 180 incidents in the city center involving face coverings or balaclavas between June 2025 and June 2026. Police stressed that the measure is not a blanket ban on face coverings. “It will only be used when officers reasonably believe it is being used in connection with crime, anti-social behaviour or intimidating conduct,” the statement said.