Newport councillors have voted almost unanimously to ask officers to explore a possible balaclava ban and tougher rules on public drinking and begging in the city centre. The motion passed at a Newport Council meeting on Tuesday, September 29, following a near-unanimous vote.
Council officers will now examine a potential ban, alongside stronger regulations on begging and public drinking, when the city centre's Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) comes up for renewal. The aim is to tackle anti-social behaviour in the area, though some residents have questioned the need for such restrictions.
Mixed reactions from residents
Local resident Steve Harris told WalesOnline he supported the idea of restrictions, particularly in response to people wearing balaclavas while riding bikes around the city. "Absolutely, yeah. Especially the balaclava thing, because we've got boys on bikes covered up - we don't know who they are - they're all in black. No lights on their bikes, it's just terrible," he said.
Mr Harris also raised broader concerns about city centre behaviour, saying: "And same in the streets here. It used to be in the old days, you couldn't ride a bike through Newport. You had to get off and push your bike. But now it seems to be a free-for-all, especially with the delivery drivers, you know?"
Newport-born Malcom Morgan took a more nuanced view, supporting restrictions in some circumstances but noting legitimate reasons for face coverings. "Yes and no. It depends who's wearing them. If it's some of the idiots, yes. If it's a normal person, no," he said.
Councillors' proposals and concerns
Cllr Matthew Evans, leader of the Conservative group in opposition, put forward the motion calling for "tougher action" he hoped would "improve the lives of residents and traders". He said a ban on face coverings would include "exemptions for religious reasons" but noted many residents were "anxious" about people concealing their identities.
Cllr Evans told the meeting the proposal was "not intended to be an attack on the human rights of young people" but would target "those who use face coverings when they rob people and deal drugs in our city centre".
Cllr Dimitri Batrouni, leader of the Labour-controlled local authority, suggested amending the motion to acknowledge existing work by police and other organisations. He cited the success of Operation Krypton during the summer months in targeting offenders and wanted any future ban on balaclavas – rather than general face coverings – to be extended across the entire city.
Police advice and next steps
Gwent Police superintendent Jason White outlined the policing strategy regarding balaclava wearers, noting that police forces can compel people to remove face coverings only under very limited circumstances – such as after a violent crime in an area, or when there is a "strong" suspicion that individuals are carrying weapons and plan to carry out violence.
He warned the council to be cautious when considering balaclava bans within PSPOs and to seek legal guidance, stressing that any proposed measures would need to demonstrate a "strong evidential base" linking the garments to problems.
Cllr Miqdad Al-Nuaimi, whose Stow Hill ward encompasses the city centre, expressed concern that a balaclava ban could raise questions over civil liberties. Councillors voted almost unanimously in support of the amended motion, backing calls for officers to investigate tightening regulations surrounding balaclavas, drinking and begging.
