Stay Alert: Some of the Weirdest UK Laws are Revealed
It is often said that there is a law for everything, and there are certainly some bizarre laws that currently exist in the United Kingdom.
According to EM Law, there are still a lot of weird laws that exist. From outdated regulations governing the treatment of animals to more modern prohibitions on activities like getting drunk in a pub, there is no shortage of bizarre legislations.
Let’s explore what some of these are.
You cannot hang your clothes on the street in the UK
In the United Kingdom, hanging your clothes across the street is prohibited. One reason is that it can be unsightly. Clothes hanging on the street can make an area look messy and unkempt, and if clothes are hanging on the street, it can be a tripping hazard for pedestrians.
If caught, the fine could be as much as £1,000. This law came into effect under the legislation of The Town Clauses Act 1847. F30 states, “Every person who places any line cord, or pole across any street, or hangs or places any clothes theron”.
Getting drunk in a pub is not allowed
Drinking alcohol in a public place is illegal if you are already drunk. This law helped prevent disorderly behavior and reduce the amount of violence that can occur when people are intoxicated.
The law also applies to people who are trying to purchase alcohol and those who are consuming it. You can be asked to leave the premises if intoxicated in a pub or bar and, in certain circumstances, you may also be arrested and fined.
So, if you're planning on enjoying a night out drinking, be sure to pace yourself and know your limits.
You cannot knock on a door and then just run away
Knock knock ginger is a game popular among children in the UK. The game is simple: when the victim's door is knocked on or their doorbell is rung; the prankster runs away, leaving the victims with no one at the door.
For this reason, it has been banned under the Metropolitan Police Act of 1839, section 54, part 16. Offenders can be fined up to £500.
Kite flying in public places is banned
The Metropolitan Police Act of 1839 states that people cannot fly a kite in a public place where it can be a common nuisance and disturbance to others. The fine people would have to pay if caught is potential £500.
Cows aren’t allowed to be walked down the street in daylight
It is against the law to walk cows down a public road during the daytime, as per the Metropolitan Streets Act of 1867. The only exception is the Police commissioner gave someone special permission.
If that person received permission, only then would they be able to drive cattle through the street in daylight between 10 am and 7 pm.
Conclusion
While it may be interesting to read about the strange and quirky laws in the United Kingdom, it’s also important to keep in mind that there are consequences for breaking them. So before you travel to the UK, make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the local laws – you wouldn’t want to end up in jail or be fined.
