Face coverings in 5 municipalities in Hageland will now be a GAS violation: "Balaclava scares people"

In five municipalities in the Hageland region, wearing masks in public is now subject to a municipal administrative sanction (GAS) fine. This change follows updates to the Penal Code and aims to enhance public safety. The police zone has introduced a ban on facial coverings, which officials believe is timely due to recent incidents, including a robbery where the suspect was disguised. The regulations also address noise disturbances and minor offenses, maintaining a minimum age of 16 for penalties. Sluicing remains a significant issue, with 90% of GAS fines issued for littering, and local authorities hope these measures will deter such behavior.