A Labour-run council has approved a plan to issue fines to locals worth up to £100 for swearing in a bid to crack down on antisocial behaviour. The order will be implemented in four seaside spots in which people will be fined for drinking and “misusing” public spaces.
Earlier this month, Thanet District Council enforced the new public space protection order (PSPO) in Birchington, Margate, Ramsgate, and Broadstairs. As a part of the new order, it will be an offence to refuse to stop using certain language if requested to do so by an officer. According to the order, the language restriction 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 plans, which were approved by the council on July 24, were introduced due to the rising anti-social behaviour in Kent. A spokesperson told Mail Online: “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.”
The order also restricts gathering in anti-social groups, misusing public places, excreting bodily fluids, consuming alcohol, consuming legal psychoactive substances, and causing humiliation or degradation. Anyone found to be flouting the rules will be spoken to by enforcement officers and could be issued a fine of up to £100 can be issued, if the behaviour continues.
In July 2024, the council planned to bring in the PSPO, but later dropped the idea after the Free Speech Union called it “draconian” and warned they’d take legal action.
Councillor Heather Keen, Cabinet Member for Communities at Thanet District Council, said: “We have 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 that feeling safe is a top priority.
“I am proud to say that we’ve listened and hope this serves as a reminder that antisocial behaviour will not be tolerated in Thanet.”