Newport council moves to explore ban on balaclavas and stricter public-space rules
Newport councillors voted almost unanimously to ask officials to study a ban on balaclavas and tougher rules on drinking and begging in the city centre.
Newport City Council voted near-unanimously to direct officers to consider banning balaclavas and tightening regulations on public drinking and begging when the city centre's Public Space Protection Order is refreshed. Councilors hope the measure will curb anti-social behaviour, though local residents expressed both support and reservations about restricting face coverings. Conservative councillor Matthew Evans emphasized exemptions for religious reasons and framed the ban as targeting criminal activity, while Labour leader Dimitri Batrouni urged recognition of ongoing police efforts, citing the success of Operation Krypton.
Gwent Police superintendent Jason White warned that any ban must be backed by strong evidence and limited to specific circumstances. Some councillors, including Miqdad Al-Nuaimi, cautioned that the proposal could raise civil-rights issues.
