The council will extend its Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) with new measures after a six-week consultation this summer attracted almost three times as many responses as the previous one.
What's changing?
The most talked-about measure is the ability for police and council officers to require someone to remove a face covering if it is being used in connection with anti-social behaviour, criminal activity, or conduct causing harassment, alarm or distress. Anyone who refuses can be fined £100. Over 92% of those consulted supported the move.
The council was clear that law-abiding residents wearing face coverings have nothing to worry about - the power only applies where a covering is linked to problematic behaviour.
The PSPO also covers other issues including people climbing on building rooftops in town, street drinking, and dog owners failing to clean up after their pets in public spaces.
Why now?
Councillor Jill Hood, Cabinet Member for Communities, said residents had reported feeling alarmed and intimidated when confronted by masked individuals, and that face coverings were also making it harder for CCTV operators and witnesses to identify those involved in criminal activity.
The new provisions are due to come into force in December. More information is available at staffordbc.gov.uk/pspo.
Source: staffordbc.gov.uk
