Cops ordered to shave off beards should grow a moustache, say facial hair fans

COPS ordered to shave off their beards should take it on the chin — and grow a moustache, facial hair fans said.

The British Beard Club called for Police Scotland to relax the planned fuzz ban to allow bobbies to sport whiskers below the nose.

And their suggestion was backed by members of the Handlebar Club, the UK's oldest association dedicated to mousers.

The calls for a re-think come amid uproar over a June deadline for officers to be clean shaven so they can safely wear protective face masks.

Despite top brass allowing exemptions for religious, cultural or medical reasons at least four cops have launched legal action against the order.

David Dade, president of The British Beard Club, told The Scottish Sun on Sunday: "A moustache would seem a sensible middle ground. A total block for all staff seems draconian."

And Allan Robinson, of the Handlebar Club, said: "Most moustaches fit comfortably inside a mask. Army and Air Force officers had to wear gas and oxygen masks during the wars and got on fine with their moustaches.

"People without one don't understand — imagine being ordered to shave your head bald. That's what it's like."

David Kennedy, general secretary of the Scottish Police Federation, revealed they have been "inundated with complaints".

He said: "We want to see the science behind this and the risk to officers.

"We believe these planned changes fly in the face of the force's equality, diversity and inclusion policy."

Police Scotland said: "The FFP3 mask, which requires users to be clean shaven, offers the most effective respiratory protection.

"We understand the frustrations among those affected but this is absolutely necessary to protect officers and staff from serious health risks."

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