£100 fines for swearing in public? Council says its plan is misunderstood

A council renewing its efforts to introduce fines for people caught swearing in public has said its proposals have been "misunderstood".

Thanet District Council will meet later to discuss issuing £100 fines for anti-social behaviour and language that causes distress, alarm or harassment.

If approved, the swearing ban would cover all of Thanet, including tourist hotspots Margate, Ramsgate and Broadstairs.

While some people are all for the plan, others have called it "way too draconian" and an "excuse" for the council to raise cash.

The district council is looking to bring in a public space protection order (PSPO), which makes it an offence to refuse to stop using foul and abusive language if requested to do so by a police or council officer.

Councillor Heather Keen said the plans had been misunderstood.

"Its not about casual swearing. Its where language can upset people," she said.

"People should be able to visit our towns without experiencing that.

"So there arent any words that people couldnt use – its the impact those words would have on other people around them.

"Its a proportionate response. Its not a subjective thing, its objective."

The council last summer planned to enforce a PSPO, but that proposal was rejected amid a threat of a legal challenge.

Free speech campaigner Connie Shaw said the existing Public Order Act 1986 (POA) already covered swearing in public – and the councils proposal could unfairly target people.

"The difference with the POA and this proposal is that in the public order act there is safeguarding against someone who might accidentally offend someone to the point that they are harassed, alarmed or distressed," she said.

"So in order to be prosecuted under the POA, there has to be intent. There isnt that safeguarding measure under the PSPO."

Margate residents have expressed mixed views about the scheme.

One said: "If youre being abusive and come across aggressive to a person, then I support that."

Another said: "There should be more law enforcement on the streets to enforce it rather than the council using every excuse they can to raise cash."

Refusing to stop drinking alcohol in public or leaving the area if asked by an official is also an offence under a PSPO. A fine of £100 can be issued.

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