Nearly 400 people responded to a consultation on updated measures intended to tackle anti-social behaviour across Stafford Borough.
Stafford Borough Council says the revised Public Spaces Protection Order will be introduced in December 2026. The order brings together restrictions designed to address behaviour that causes harassment, alarm or distress or has a damaging effect on public spaces.
Face coverings linked to anti-social behaviour
One new provision will allow action where somebody uses a face covering in connection with anti-social behaviour, criminal activity or behaviour causing harassment, alarm or distress.
The council stressed that the measure is not a general ban on face coverings. It will apply only in the circumstances set out in the order. A person who refuses a lawful request to remove a covering could receive a £100 fixed penalty notice.
The authority said 92 per cent of consultation respondents supported the provision. Around 390 people took part in the six-week consultation, approximately three times the response recorded during the previous consultation on the order.
Councillor Jill Hood, Stafford Borough Council's cabinet member for communities, said reports had been received of people feeling alarmed or intimidated when confronted by individuals wearing masks. She also said face coverings could make it harder for CCTV operators and witnesses to identify people involved in criminal activity.
"Thank you to everyone who took part and made their voice heard," Councillor Hood said.
Other behaviour covered by the order
The Public Spaces Protection Order also contains provisions addressing climbing on the roofs of town-centre buildings, street drinking and failures to clear up dog mess in public places.
Public Spaces Protection Orders are reviewed every three years. Further information is available from Stafford Borough Council's PSPO webpage.
The story details and quotations were supplied by Stafford Borough Council for editorial publication.
