25-07-2025
Brits could be slapped with £100 fine for 'foul language' in these four towns
A council in the southeast has ruled to implement an order that could see fines handed out for 'foul' language in four popular seaside towns - in a bid to help residents feel safe
Brits could face fines for up to £100 for using abusive language in four seaside towns in an attempt to crack down on anti-social behaviour.
This week, plans have been approved for Thanet District Council in Kent to enforce a new public space protection order (PSPO) in Birchington, Margate, Ramsgate, and Broadstairs.
Under the new rules, it will be an offence to refuse to stop using certain language if asked to do so by an officer. The language that is set to be restricted by the order is described as "foul or abusive language [used] in a manner likely to cause harassment, alarm, or distress to a person within hearing or sight, judged by the standards of a 'reasonable person'."
The council originally tried to introduce the order in July of last year, but the plans never went ahead after it faced the threat of a legal challenge from The Free Speech Union, a campaign group.
A spokesperson said: "The Proposed Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) was approved at a Cabinet meeting on Thursday 24 July 2025. The PSPO was put forward with the aim of reducing antisocial behaviour in Thanet's main towns, and is similar to previous PSPOs in place between 2018 and 2024.
"They mirror the same restrictions in place across many other districts and boroughs, including in other parts of Kent in line with powers under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.'
They said that there was 'strong support' for the proposals in response to the public consultation. The order will also restrict gathering in anti-social groups, misusing public places, excreting bodily fluids, consuming alcohol, consuming legal psychoactive substances, and causing humiliation or degradation.
In Birchington, Margate, Ramsgate, and Broadstairs, there will be signs put up explaining the rules of the order. If someone is found to be breaking the rules, they will be spoken to by enforcement officers - but if the behaviour continues, they could be slapped with a fine of up to £100.
At a cabinet meeting on Thursday, councillors said that claims from the media that the order would be a blanket ban on swearing were 'a mountain of nonsense'.
Heather Keen, the Labour councillor, said these claims were "disingenuous, inaccurate and designed to grab attention". She confirmed that the order did not apply to 'casual swearing', the BBC reported.
Commenting on the order's approval, Keen said: "We've listened and these measures are designed to reassure residents and set clear expectations around acceptable public behaviour in Thanet.'
She explained that the order will provide authorities with 'the tools to intervene earlier which we hope will successfully prevent situations from escalating'.
Keen added: "The overwhelming support from local people, businesses and the police during the consultation process is evidence that these measures are welcomed. Every year our residents tell us feeling safe is a top priority.'
