Nottingham will become one of the first cities in the United Kingdom to implement a ban on the use of balaclavas, with new measures aimed at combating intimidation in the city coming into effect. According to Nottinghamshire Police, police officers and city council employees may ask people to remove their masks when they are concealing their identity to commit a crime or behave in an anti-social manner.
The measures will include immediate fines of 70 pounds, confiscation of masks, and referral to an immediate justice program that requires community service. Those who continue to disregard the order may receive a criminal conduct order, which may prohibit them from entering the city center for an indefinite period.
The new rules do not represent a total ban on the use of face masks. Officers stated that they are specifically targeting crimes, anti-social behavior, or intimidating conduct, and that there are exceptions for people who wear face masks for medical reasons or other valid justifications.
