Targeting face coverings when they are being used in connection with anti-social behaviour, criminal activity, or behaviour causing harassment, alarm or distress, Stafford Borough Council’s “balaclava ban” is set to be introduced through its Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) this December.
The move follows a public consultation this summer, with 92% of respondents supporting the face-covering provision. The council announced that the new measures are set to be introduced in December, meaning those who refuse to remove a face covering in those circumstances may be hit with a £100 fixed penalty notice.
The renewed PSPO also addresses behaviour such as climbing onto buildings or rooftops and street drinking, alongside existing public-space rules.
After a significant rise in reported anti-social behaviour, with incidents increasing by approximately 54 per cent over the latest 12-month period, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council announced a consultation on a new PSPO for Kidsgrove town centre this week. It focuses on anti-social behaviour, including intimidating groups, street drinking and drug-related activity but does not mention a specific balaclava restriction.
Stoke-on-Trent City Council leader Jane Ashworth has said she would consider introducing a restriction on face coverings, including balaclavas. She said the idea needed “exploring”, in response to concerns about masked groups and anti-social behaviour. Last month, the council announced that the Hanley PSPO order had been extended until October 2029 and its area expanded to include Bucknall New Road and surrounding streets.
While the PSPO has been extended, crime is nearly 25% down, from 14.1 to 10.6 cases per 1,000 population, according to the council’s August 2026 State of the City report. The Knot approached Stoke-on-Trent City Council for further comment regarding any plans to restrict face coverings, including balaclavas, but had not received a response at the time of publication.
All local councils urged to curb anti-social behaviour
Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime Ben Adams told The Knot that communities across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent have informed him that a big concern for them at the moment is individuals, mostly young men, causing anti-social behaviour while covering their faces.
“This behaviour is highly intimidating, and is often coupled with riding bikes, e-bikes or e-scooters illegally or in breach of local Public Space Protection Orders. It discourages residents from enjoying our public spaces or in some cases venturing out, resulting in negative impacts on their health and wellbeing, and our local economies,” he said./
He added that he is “very supportive” of Stafford Borough Council expanding an existing PSPO order to address this issue. “The council has been careful to clarify that this order is aimed at individuals wearing face coverings to avoid identification by officers or CCTV – those not behaving in an anti-social way need not worry.
“Anyone deliberately hiding their face to cause anti-social behaviour and intimidate others can be asked to remove their face covering or be fined.”
– Ben Adams, Staffs Commissioner for Police, Fire & Rescue & Crime
“But anyone who is deliberately hiding their face to cause anti-social behaviour and intimidate others can be asked to remove their face-covering by Police or council officers. If they don’t, they can be fined.”
Adams confirmed that he has also written to every Council leader in Staffordshire to strongly recommend that they introduce these additional powers into their local orders. “I believe it will help us to reduce anti-social behaviour and crime, and enhance public confidence and feelings of safety.”
