Nottingham City Council has said face coverings are not part of the current consultation proposals for a city centre Public Spaces Protection Order.
The clarification follows recent coverage and public discussion about the PSPO consultation, particularly around the possible use of face coverings in the city centre.
The council said it recognised that some residents had raised concerns about the issue and encouraged anyone with views on face coverings to include them as part of their consultation response.
A spokesperson for Nottingham City Council said:
“We are keen to hear residents’ views through this consultation and recognise that some people have concerns about the use of face coverings, including balaclavas, in the city centre.
“Whilst the current Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) consultation does not include proposals relating to face coverings, we are already hearing concerns about this issue and would encourage residents to share their views as part of their consultation response.
“Any proposal to introduce restrictions relating specifically to face coverings would require further consideration and a separate consultation before any decision could be made. We would therefore urge residents who have concerns about the use of face coverings in the city centre to make their views known through the current consultation.”
“In the meantime, we would encourage residents, businesses and visitors to take part in the current PSPO consultation and have their say on the measures being proposed to help tackle anti-social behaviour, as well as providing feedback on any additional concerns or ideas they feel should be considered to help create a safer, more welcoming city centre for everyone.”
The consultation will run until 11:59pm on 23 June 2026.
People can complete the consultation online here.
Paper copies of the consultation are also available at:
- Byron House Reception, 4 Maid Marian Way, Nottingham, NG1 6HS
- Central Library, 1 Carrington Street, Nottingham, NG1 7FH
Following the consultation period, all responses will be reviewed before a final decision is made on whether to introduce the proposed PSPO.
