25-07-2025
Labour-run council approves controversial plan to fine locals £100... for SWEARING
A Labour-run council has approved a plan to fine locals up to £100 for swearing, drinking and 'misusing' public spaces.
The crackdown on antisocial behaviour will be enforced in four seaside hotspots in Kent.
Thanet District Council announced the bid to enforce the new public space protection order (PSPO) earlier this month in Birchington, Margate, Ramsgate, and Broadstairs.
The newly approved order will make it an offence to refuse to stop using certain language if requested to do so by an officer.
Under the order, the language restricted 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 said the plans were introduced because of a rise in antisocial behaviour in Kent.
They were approved on July 24 and will come into force after the required legal notice period.
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.
'There was strong support for proposals in response to a recent public consultation, with a majority of respondents indicating agreement.'
In addition to swearing, the order also restricts gathering in anti-social groups, misusing public places, excreting bodily fluids, consuming alcohol, consuming legal psychoactive substance, and causing humiliation or degradation.
In the first instance, anyone found to be breaking the rules will be spoken to by enforcement officers. However, if the behaviour continues, fines of up to £100 can be issued.
The council initially tried to introduce the PSPO in July 2024 but the proposals were scrapped after the Free Speech Union (FSU) blasted them as 'draconian' and threatened legal action.
Commenting on the order's approval, Councillor Heather Keen, Cabinet Member for Communities at Thanet District Council, said: 'We've listened and these measures are designed to reassure residents and set clear expectations around acceptable public behaviour in Thanet.
'It crucially provides us with the tools to intervene earlier which we hope will successfully prevent situations from escalating.
'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.
'I'm proud to say that we've listened and hope this serves as a reminder that antisocial behaviour will not be tolerated in Thanet.'
Councillors have said that signs explaining the PSPO's rules will be displayed in each town.
A report explained: '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 Council sought to implement a PSPO in similar terms to the one that it is currently proposed in the summer of last year.
'This was however subject to the threat of legal challenge. As a result, a decision was made not to implement this PSPO.
