The United Kingdom on Sunday announced that criminals will be banned from pubs, concerts, and sporting events under new sentencing powers introduced as part of its Plan for Change.
The government stated that judges will be able to impose restrictions on offenders, including driving bans, travel prohibitions, and confinement to specific zones. The aim is to strengthen community sentences, deter reoffending, and help offenders reintegrate responsibly.
Those released from prison and placed under the supervision of the Probation Service will face similar restrictions, alongside expanded mandatory drug testing. For the first time, individuals without a known history of substance misuse will also be tested. Offenders who breach the rules could be returned to court or sent back to prison.
Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, said the reforms would expand the punishments available to judges as part of efforts to reduce crime and enhance public safety.
“When criminals break society’s rules, they must face consequences. These new punishments will ensure offenders serving sentences in the community experience real restrictions on their freedom. The message is clear: crime does not pay,” she said.
At present, judges can impose certain bans, such as football exclusions for offences committed in stadiums. However, the government confirmed it would soon amend the law so such restrictions could be applied more broadly, regardless of the crime or circumstance.
The reforms form part of a wider strategy to ensure sentencing remains effective while expanding prison capacity. Since July 2024, more than 2,400 new prison places have been created, with a £7 billion investment planned to provide 14,000 additional spaces.
The Probation Service will also see its budget increase by up to £700 million by 2028/29, rising from the current £1.6 billion. Over the past year, the number of probation officers has grown by 7 per cent, with trainee officers increasing by 15 per cent.
The government has pledged to recruit a further 1,300 probation officers this year, building on the 1,000 recruited in 2024. It also plans to adopt new technology, including artificial intelligence, to reduce administrative tasks and allow staff to focus on supervising high-risk offenders and protecting the public.