The Government has passed a new law banning gang patches from public places.

The Prohibition of Gang Insignia Government Premises Bill gives police the power to arrest offenders and seize their insignia if they wear patches or colours in public spaces such as schools, swimming pools and Government buildings.

National Rotorua MP Todd McClay originally sponsored the Prohibition of Gang Insignia Government Premises Bill, but passed the torch to fellow MP Mark Mitchell when he became a Minister on June 17.

People caught wearing gang insignia can have their patches or colours seized and if found guilty can face a $2000 fine.

Under the new law, patches will be banned at government premises and any associated grounds; the buildings and grounds of any school; and any public hospital or health facility that is owned by, or is under the control of, a District Health Board; and any public swimming pool or aquatic centre that is owned by, or is under the control of, a local authority.

It excludes any residential dwelling owned by, or is under the control of, Housing New Zealand Corporation or a local authority. The ban also applies to early childhood education centres.

The named list of gangs in the Act include:

Aotearoa Natives, Bandidos MC, Black Power, Devils Henchmen MC, Epitaph Riders, Filthy Few MC, Forty-Five MC, Greasy Dogs MC, Head Hunters MC, Hells Angels, Highway 61 MC, Hu-Hu MC, Killerbeez, King Cobras, Lone Legion MC, Lost Breed MC, Magogs MC, Mongrel Mob, Mangu Kaha, Mothers MC, Nomads, Outcasts MC, Outlaws MC, Rebels MC, Red Devils MC, Road Nights MC, Satans Slaves MC, Sinn Fein MC (not being a branch, or an associated organisation, of the political party known by a similar name), Southern Vikings MC, Storm Troopers, Taupiri MC, Tribal Huk, Tribesmen MC, Tyrants MC.

SunLive asked members of the community what their thoughts on the ban were.