Latest news with #IanSwallow
ITV News
17-07-2025
- ITV News
Council wants crackdown on antisocial behaviour including fines for swearing
A council in Kent is looking to crackdown on antisocial behaviour by seeking permission for an order which could land people with a fine for swearing. Thanet District Council is asking for approval for a Public Spaces Protection Order to address issues of antisocial behaviour in Ramsgate, Broadstairs and Margate. It's after the area recently faced issues including what police have described as 'underage street drinking and aggressive behaviour towards staff at shops and restaurants'. Orders proposed by the council include using foul or abusive language within the hearing or sight of another person, urinating, defecating or spitting in a public place and taking psychoactive substances such as nitrous oxide. Council documents state the restriction is not intended to penalise 'casual or non-directed swearing' and that in order to be enforceable, the behaviour must be both 'foul or abusive in nature and likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to a reasonable person'. In response to the application for an order, Chief Inspector Ian Swallow said in a letter: "We believe that the implementation of the PSPO is a necessary measure to reduce crime, disorder and ASB on the Thanet District, and to provide Officers and staff suitable powers to deal with such behaviour. "Failure to implement the PSPO would, in our opinion, be detrimental to Community Safety in the district." If approved, enforcement officers would have the authority to issue fines of £100 which would need to be paid within 28 days, but is reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days. The PSPO would be in place for a period of three years. The council did seek to implement a public order last summer, however this was halted after a threat of a legal challenge. The order is due to be discussed at a cabinet meeting next Thursday.
The Irish Sun
16-07-2025
- The Irish Sun
English seaside hotspot to fine people £100 for SWEARING in ‘draconian' council crackdown
A POPULAR seaside hotspot has introduced new plans to issue £100 fines for swearing in a controversial council crackdown. Council papers from a meeting earlier this week have revealed that the authority hopes to enforce these controversial 6 A council has revealed plans to crackdown on swearing at popular seaside hotspot Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 6 Those caught could face a £100 fine Credit: Alamy Council crackdown on swearing and 'foul' language A report from Thanet District Council said: "All persons are prohibited from using foul or abusive language in such a manner that is loud and can be heard by others and cause either alarm or distress to any other person in any public place." This rule comes under the public space protection order (PSPO) - which the council is trying to reinstate after a failed attempt last year. The In addition to swearing, the order also bans anti-social groups, misuse of public space, urinating, deficating or spitting, legal psychoactive UK news Council responds to criticism This comes after Thanet District Council attempted to initiate this order last July. The authority declared the restrictions were to stop "foul or abusive language" from ruining the peaceful atmosphere of the streets. However, after the Free Speech Union (FSU) threatened to take legal action, the scheme was scrapped a month later. This order has been met with criticism, of which the new report acknowledges. Most read in The Sun The document explains that exceptions will be made if people have a "reasonable excuse" for breaking the rules. It states: "In response to these concerns, residents should be reassured that there are a number of protections within the order. "The first is that there is a defence of 'reasonable excuse' so that if someone appeared to be in breach of one of the restrictions but had a reasonable excuse, then no further action would be taken. "The second is that the Human Rights Act remains applicable and the rights afforded under Article 10 and 11, freedom of expression and assembly, remain relevant." The beautiful lake an hour from London with overwater bungalows like the Maldives Kent Police in favour of restrictions Chief Inspector Ian Swallow from In a letter of support, he wrote: "I can confirm that Kent Police support the implementation of a PSPO for the Thanet district and agree with the proposed prohibitions and requirements. "We believe that the implementation of the PSPO is a necessary measure to reduce crime, disorder, and ASB on the Thanet District, and to provide Officers and staff suitable powers to deal with such behaviour." He also explained that he sees a lot of this type of anti-social behaviour in the area, with police receiving reports of swearing and threatening behaviour on the 6 The ban will span across Margate, Ramsgate, and Broadstairs Credit: Alamy 6 This is the second time the council has attempted to impose these rules Credit: Alamy Mr Swallow claimed they receive multiple reports from businesses and councillors of street drinkers and young people abusing shopkeepers and members of the public trying to use the town centre amenities. He concluded: "This type of behaviour if left unchecked can escalate and result in violence or other disorder." Councillor addresses PSPO plans Councillor Heather Keen, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods at Thanet District council, said: "Antisocial behaviour can have a damaging effect on our local community. "We've sadly seen situations in our public spaces recently which have escalated and we know that local people, visitors and businesses want more to be done to tackle this." She explained that the PSPO aims to reduce this antisocial behaviour. Ms Keen also shared that the proposed restrictions are not only similar to the district's previous PSPO, but they also mirror those put in place across other parts of Kent. On the subject of free speech, she added: "To be clear, the restriction around language is not aimed at preventing free speech or swearing, but foul language that is such to cause fear, distress or alarm. "Evidence gathered by officers indicates that this is a significant issue impacting residents." Ms Keen also addressed the legal action which was threatened to be taken against the previous PSPO, saying they have since gathered further evidence which indicates that this restriction in proportionate. She said: "The public and stakeholder response has again indicated overwhelming support for all of the proposed restrictions. "As a result we will consider the proposed order when the Cabinet meets on Thursday 24 July to carefully consider the results of consultation and take a view. "Subject to approval, we will seek to implement this as soon as possible." Cabinet members are expected to discuss the revisited order in the council chamber on July 24. If approved, the PSPO will be in place for three years. The Sun has reached out to Thanet District Council for further comment. 6 The proposed ban comes after reports of antisocial behaviour in the area Credit: Alamy 6 If successful, the PSPO will remain in place for the next three years Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
Scottish Sun
16-07-2025
- Scottish Sun
English seaside hotspot to fine people £100 for SWEARING in ‘draconian' council crackdown
If successful, the ban will be imposed for years SWEAR DOWN English seaside hotspot to fine people £100 for SWEARING in 'draconian' council crackdown Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A POPULAR seaside hotspot has introduced new plans to issue £100 fines for swearing in a controversial council crackdown. Council papers from a meeting earlier this week have revealed that the authority hopes to enforce these controversial fines to tackle antisocial behaviour. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 A council has revealed plans to crackdown on swearing at popular seaside hotspot Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 6 Those caught could face a £100 fine Credit: Alamy Council crackdown on swearing and 'foul' language A report from Thanet District Council said: "All persons are prohibited from using foul or abusive language in such a manner that is loud and can be heard by others and cause either alarm or distress to any other person in any public place." This rule comes under the public space protection order (PSPO) - which the council is trying to reinstate after a failed attempt last year. The penalty for breaking this PSPO, which will cover the entirety of Margate, Ramsgate and Broadstairs, is £100 to be paid within 28 days, with a reduced fine of £60 if paid within 14 days. In addition to swearing, the order also bans anti-social groups, misuse of public space, urinating, deficating or spitting, legal psychoactive substances (such as nitrous oxide), humiliating others and consuming alcohol. Council responds to criticism This comes after Thanet District Council attempted to initiate this order last July. The authority declared the restrictions were to stop "foul or abusive language" from ruining the peaceful atmosphere of the streets. However, after the Free Speech Union (FSU) threatened to take legal action, the scheme was scrapped a month later. This order has been met with criticism, of which the new report acknowledges. The document explains that exceptions will be made if people have a "reasonable excuse" for breaking the rules. It states: "In response to these concerns, residents should be reassured that there are a number of protections within the order. "The first is that there is a defence of 'reasonable excuse' so that if someone appeared to be in breach of one of the restrictions but had a reasonable excuse, then no further action would be taken. "The second is that the Human Rights Act remains applicable and the rights afforded under Article 10 and 11, freedom of expression and assembly, remain relevant." The beautiful lake an hour from London with overwater bungalows like the Maldives Kent Police in favour of restrictions Chief Inspector Ian Swallow from Kent Police is in favour of the PSPO. In a letter of support, he wrote: "I can confirm that Kent Police support the implementation of a PSPO for the Thanet district and agree with the proposed prohibitions and requirements. "We believe that the implementation of the PSPO is a necessary measure to reduce crime, disorder, and ASB on the Thanet District, and to provide Officers and staff suitable powers to deal with such behaviour." He also explained that he sees a lot of this type of anti-social behaviour in the area, with police receiving reports of swearing and threatening behaviour on the town's beaches during the summer months. 6 The ban will span across Margate, Ramsgate, and Broadstairs Credit: Alamy 6 This is the second time the council has attempted to impose these rules Credit: Alamy Mr Swallow claimed they receive multiple reports from businesses and councillors of street drinkers and young people abusing shopkeepers and members of the public trying to use the town centre amenities. He concluded: "This type of behaviour if left unchecked can escalate and result in violence or other disorder." Councillor addresses PSPO plans Councillor Heather Keen, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods at Thanet District council, said: "Antisocial behaviour can have a damaging effect on our local community. "We've sadly seen situations in our public spaces recently which have escalated and we know that local people, visitors and businesses want more to be done to tackle this." She explained that the PSPO aims to reduce this antisocial behaviour. Ms Keen also shared that the proposed restrictions are not only similar to the district's previous PSPO, but they also mirror those put in place across other parts of Kent. On the subject of free speech, she added: "To be clear, the restriction around language is not aimed at preventing free speech or swearing, but foul language that is such to cause fear, distress or alarm. "Evidence gathered by officers indicates that this is a significant issue impacting residents." Ms Keen also addressed the legal action which was threatened to be taken against the previous PSPO, saying they have since gathered further evidence which indicates that this restriction in proportionate. She said: "The public and stakeholder response has again indicated overwhelming support for all of the proposed restrictions. "As a result we will consider the proposed order when the Cabinet meets on Thursday 24 July to carefully consider the results of consultation and take a view. "Subject to approval, we will seek to implement this as soon as possible." Cabinet members are expected to discuss the revisited order in the council chamber on July 24. If approved, the PSPO will be in place for three years. The Sun has reached out to Thanet District Council for further comment. 6 The proposed ban comes after reports of antisocial behaviour in the area Credit: Alamy
Metro
15-07-2025
- Metro
Towns to bring in dystopian 'swear jar' law fining the potty-mouthed £100
Popular seaside towns could soon hand out £100 fines to people caught swearing in public. Thanet District Council had tried to apply the so-called public space protection orders to cover Birchington, Margate, Ramsgate and Broadstairs last year, but it was banned. It's no secret Brits love to swear. The average Brit swears 10.5 times a day. Young adults (those aged between 16 and 24) clock in at around 14 swear words a day, while over-55s only do seven. But now, a fresh bid has been made which could allow enforcement officers to hand out fines if a potty-mouthed person is heard disturbing the peace. But it's not just swearing – anti-social groups, 'misuse' of public space, urinating, defecating, spitting, using legal psychoactive substances, humiliating others and consuming alcohol will also be fined. Those fined must pay the £100 within 28 days – but the cost is reduced to just £60 if it's paid within two weeks. The council has said the order would stop 'foul and abusive language' from ruining the peaceful atmosphere in the seaside towns, but it was previously paused after the Free Speech Union threatened legal action. The report from the council said that police officers found it a helpful tool and that they had struggled without it. 'There is an ongoing issue of antisocial behaviour in the Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate areas. The causes of this are complex, and the PSPO is recognised by all of those working with such behaviour as being one of the effective tools for dealing with this,' the report reads. It added that since last year's threat of legal action, police have experienced increased difficulties in managing the anti-social behaviour. The report did add that certain exceptions will be made if people have a 'reasonable excuse' for having broken the rules. 'All persons are prohibited from using foul or abusive language in such a manner that is loud and can be heard by others and cause either alarm or distress to any other person in any public place.' The council has stressed that the freedom of expression and assembly from the Human Rights Act are still very much in place. Chief Inspector Ian Swallow from Kent Police wrote a letter of support, adding: 'We believe that the implementation of the PSPO is a necessary measure to reduce crime, disorder, and ASB on the Thanet District, and to provide Officers and staff with suitable powers to deal with such behaviour.' The proposed order will be discussed by the council chamber on July 24, and if approved, it will be in place for three years – so zip your lips. More Trending If passed, it wouldn't be the first crackdown by authorities on potty-mouthed residents. Australia treats public profanity as a criminal offence in many states, with fines under 'offensive language' laws. In Canada, swearing in public parks can lead to charges for causing a disturbance. And Russia goes even further, with fines or even short jail time for public swearing. Even the UK used to be stricter: We had laws dating back to 1694 and 1745 that fined people for profane oaths, which were only scrapped in 1967. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Amazon driver killed after London-bound train strikes van 'trapped in level crossing' MORE: Nine 'suspicious' devices found after police shot chainsaw-wielding man MORE: Victim's dismay after 'compulsive liar' mum who stole £78,000 spared jail
Telegraph
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
Labour-run council to reinstate fines for swearing
A labour-run council intends to reintroduce plans that will allow officers to hand out £100 fines for swearing. Thanet district council said it intended to bring back the ban because police officers had said they struggled to manage antisocial behaviour (ASB) without it. The public space protection order (PSPO) was proposed in July last year, but plans were scrapped after the Free Speech Union threatened legal action against the 'draconian measure'. However, council papers for a meeting on Tuesday revealed that the authority would revisit the controversial scheme that would fine people for 'using foul or abusive language in such a manner that is loud and can be heard by others and cause either alarm or distress'. The plans said: 'There is an ongoing issue of ASB in the Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate areas. 'The PSPO is recognised by all of those working with such behaviour as being one of the effective tools for dealing with this. 'Since [last summer] police report experiencing increased difficulties in managing some of the identified forms of ASB.' Chief Insp Ian Swallow, from Kent Police, wrote a letter of support for the PSPO. He wrote: 'I can confirm that Kent Police support the implementation of a PSPO for the Thanet district and agree with the proposed prohibitions and requirements. '[It] is a necessary measure to reduce crime, disorder, and ASB in the Thanet District, and to provide officers and staff suitable powers to deal with such behaviour.' Among the issues at hand, he highlighted 'swearing and threatening behaviour', 'abusive and foul language' and 'multiple reports from businesses and councillors of street drinkers and young people abusing shopkeepers'. 'Restricting liberties' The Free Speech Union last year said Thanet Council's plan was 'the worst' example they had seen of the misuse of PSPOs. They said at the time: 'It effectively imposes a strict liability speech offence, with none of the safeguards which Parliament and the courts have deemed necessary when restricting people's fundamental rights and liberties.' The penalty for breaking the PSPO is £100 paid within 28 days, or £60 if paid within 14 days. The order also bans anti-social groups, misuse of public space, urinating, defecating or spitting, legal psychoactive substances (such as nitrous oxide), humiliating others and consuming alcohol. The report acknowledges a lot of criticism of the order, including the vague nature of the term 'foul language' and fears of disruption to peaceful protests. It added that there are a 'number of protections' in place to reassure residents that include the defence of 'reasonable excuse' as well as rights to freedom of expression. Cllr Heather Keen, s cabinet member for neighbourhoods at Thanet district council, said: 'We've sadly seen situations in our public spaces recently which have escalated and we know that local people, visitors and businesses want more to be done to tackle this. 'The proposed PSPO aims to reduce antisocial behaviour and provide the vital tools, which are needed to intervene. Without this, the ability of the police to respond to crime and disorder is impacted and crime, in the form of antisocial behaviour, increases. She added: 'The restriction around language is not aimed at preventing free speech or swearing, but foul language that is such to cause fear, distress or alarm.' Council members are expected to discuss the revisited order in the council chamber on July 24. If approved, the PSPO will be in place for three years. The Thanet district council and the FSU have been approached for comment.
