The council is planning to enhance its joint working with Staffordshire Police to ensure all available powers are effectively utilised throughout the city. This includes reviewing existing Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) in Hanley and Longton, which already prohibit conduct likely to cause 'harassment, alarm and distress', and can encompass the misuse of face coverings.
Consideration is being given to extending these powers city-wide, specifically requiring the removal of face coverings when they are used to intimidate, conceal identity, or facilitate criminal acts or ASB. This move follows similar actions by other local authorities that have incorporated specific references to face coverings within their PSPOs.
The proposed new powers are not intended as a blanket ban. They will exclusively target face coverings associated with criminal and anti-social behaviour, with no impact on religious coverings, those worn for protection against cold weather, or safety helmets.
“"This review is part of coordinated efforts by the city council and Staffordshire Police to create a more welcoming, family-friendly city. It is not acceptable that anyone living in or visiting Stoke-on-Trent feels intimidated, frightened or unsafe. This is why we need to ensure that the appropriate powers are in place when it comes to dealing with anti-social behaviour and face coverings. Everyone has the right to feel safe in our city and we are committed to working with trusted partners like the Police to make sure that is the case."
The existing PSPOs are part of a broader strategy to maintain city safety, which also includes Community Protection Warnings and Notices, Criminal Behaviour Orders, and Police Dispersal Powers. The police also possess specific powers to establish "mask-free zones" around protests.
