Thanet council proposes £100 fine for public swearing

In July 2025, Thanet council, located in Kent, introduced a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) aimed at reducing antisocial behavior in the region. This initiative was born from ongoing public concern over issues like swearing, drinking alcohol, and other forms of disorderly conduct in coastal towns such as Margate and Broadstairs. The council emphasized that the penalties were designed to maintain the integrity of community spaces by curtailing behaviors that many residents found disruptive. Support for the PSPO was reportedly strong among local consultations, a key factor in the decision to pursue this measure. Chief Inspector Ian Swallow stated that the enforcement of such fines was a necessary action to address rising crime and disorder in the area. The PSPO grants police and council officers the authority to issue £100 penalties for failing to adhere to rules about public behavior. Additionally, the council reassured residents that there would be protections in place to prevent misuse of the new enforcement powers. Those accused of swearing in public could instead invoke a 'reasonable excuse' defense, which should mitigate concerns regarding potential overreach. Despite the council's conviction about the effectiveness of these measures, the proposal has not been without controversy. Some residents are concerned about the implications for free speech, fearing that the order could be used to penalize informal expressions common in public life. This is further complicated by the human rights considerations involved, emphasizing the balance the council must strike between maintaining public order and protecting individual freedoms. Critics argue that such regulations can lead to a chilling effect where individuals self-censor, impacting public discourse. The decision is part of a broader trend in local governance where councils across the UK are increasingly adopting PSPOs to handle social issues in public spaces. The growing emphasis on community standards suggests that councils will continue to explore measures aimed at promoting a more congenial atmosphere, even in the face of public dissent over issues of personal expression and individual rights.