ROCKHAMPTON police are urging city businesses to ban the hoodie as they look to lift the lid on crime.

As winter approaches, businesses are being asked to display a sign promoting a policy of not serving those who won't remove their hoodie or a helmet when they enter the venue.

The move comes after a series of armed robberies across the city and follows the frustrated calls of prominent Rockhampton publican Will Cordwell who has been campaigning for a hoodies crackdown in recent times.

Mr Cordwell's Ascot Hotel, in North Rockhampton, has been the repeated target for break-ins, often by people who have hidden their identity by wearing a hoodie.

Police have contacted businesses about their new push, which also incorporates the launch of an email alert system where authorities will contact operators about crime problems in their area.

The hoodie move was yesterday condemned by a civil liberties spokesman who said police did not have the power to tell people what they should wear.

Queensland Council of Civil Liberties president Michael Cope said businesses that displayed the sign opened themselves to potential complaints to the Anti-Discrimination Commission on the basis most people who wore hoodies were younger.

Mr Cope said he was yet to see any evidence to back up claims that stopping people wearing hoodies or helmets would reduce crime.

Rockhampton's District Crime Prevention Coordinator Sergeant Jody Fernie said the email alert system would provide businesses with information in a timely way.

Police push

Key elements of Rockhampton police's push to protect city businesses:

• An email system alerting business owners and managers of problems in their area;
• Promoting a policy of no service to people who did not remove their helmet or hoodie when entering a premises.