Face coverings are set to be banned across the entire borough of Stafford
Face coverings could soon be prohibited throughout the entire borough of Staffordshire as local authorities aim to address issues related to anti-social behaviour.
Stafford Borough Council approved plans last week to ban face coverings as part of an updated public spaces protection order (PSPO).
The proposed ban will undergo a consultation process before its anticipated implementation later this year.
Questions remain about the rationale behind targeting face coverings, the practical application of the ban, and which types of coverings will be included.
Why are they being banned?
In a report presented to the council's cabinet on Thursday, members were informed that the ban responds to an "emerging issue of youth adults" wearing face coverings in Stafford.
The report indicated that such coverings could cause harassment, alarm, or distress among community members.
Stafford's Community Safety Partnership asserted that wearing face coverings may contribute to anti-social behaviour within the borough.
"The wearing of face coverings can cause alarm and distress to the community, embolden offending behaviour and prevent identification of offenders," the report stated.
The report further explained that banning face coverings borough-wide would reassure residents, visitors, and businesses, while enhancing public perceptions of safety.
Does the ban include all face coverings?
The council clarified that the PSPO would not apply to individuals wearing face coverings for "genuine religious purposes" or for medical or health reasons.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) and masks mandated by law would also be exempt from the ban, according to the report.
Exemptions would also apply in situations where the face covering is not worn in a manner that causes or contributes to anti-social behaviour, harassment, alarm, or distress.
How widespread is use?
Stafford Borough councillor Jill Hood, cabinet member for community, described the targeted face coverings as potentially "extremely intimidating."
Speaking to BBC Radio Stoke, Councillor Hood said,
"It's quite a big problem. It seems to be a uniform at the moment that younger people have adopted through certain types of music – it looks cool and they think it's great to go out like that.
"You can't see the physical movement of the face, you can only see the eyes, and you've no idea if they're going to commit a crime or if they're out for a bit of fun and they think they look great."
She noted that the council had received complaints from residents and the police, with many elderly individuals feeling nervous when approached by people wearing face masks.
Hood added,
"You could be out for a walk in the evening and you're approached. Normally these people aren't on their own, they're in a gang with their face masks on.
"That is a very scary moment, you don't know what's going to happen."
She remarked on the impact of this behaviour on the community, stating,
"We've got some gorgeous-looking young people out there, why on earth would they want to cover up their beautiful faces?"
How would the ban be enforced?
Councillor Hood explained that police would approach individuals suspected of wearing face coverings in violation of the PSPO and request removal.
If individuals comply, no further action would be taken.
However, Hood stated,
"[But] if they're out to cause mischief, or acting in an anti-social way, then police will ask them to take their face masks off and further action will be taken against them."
She added that those who refuse to comply would be taken to a police station, emphasizing,
"They won't get away with keeping their masks on."
Hood, an independent councillor, noted that if masks are worn purely as a "fashion item," wearers would likely not object to removing them.
She said,
"We're not trying to stop their fun."
The penalty for breaching the rule is a fixed penalty notice of £100.
If the fine is unpaid or the case proceeds to court, the amount could increase to a maximum of £1,000.
When will the ban come into force?
Although the council approved the new PSPO last week, it must undergo consultation with the local chief officer of police, the police and crime commissioner, and community representatives before implementation.
The report noted that an existing PSPO addressing anti-social behaviour, which has been in place for three years, will expire on 6 December, the projected date for the new order to come into effect.
The new PSPO would remain in place for three years, after which it would require renewal or updating by the council.
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