Understand
No fines handed out in first month of Nottingham balaclava ban
Overview
No fines have been issued during the first month of Nottingham's city centre balaclava ban, which came into force on 15 September. Nottinghamshire Police report that the lack of fines indicates the measure is working as a deterrent, with officers stopping only two individuals in the first month. The ban allows authorities to request the removal of face coverings if they suspect they are being used for crime or anti-social behaviour, with a £70 fine for non-compliance. Exemptions apply for legitimate reasons such as religious, cultural, health, work, weather, or personal safety purposes.
Key points
- No fines have been issued in the first month since Nottingham's balaclava ban was introduced on 15 September.
- Police and community protection officers have only stopped two people during the initial month.
- Authorities can request the removal of face coverings if they reasonably believe they are being used for crime or anti-social behaviour, with a £70 fine for refusing.
- Exemptions to the ban apply for legitimate reasons including religious, cultural, health, work, weather, or personal safety.
- Police and council officials report seeing fewer people wearing face coverings and receiving fewer public reports since the rules were implemented.