EM Law is a modern business law firm based in Shoreditch, London and has done extensive research into the weird and wonderful laws that still exist in the UK today.
Katie Mills, Executive Assistant at EM Law said: “It‘s It is noteworthy that some of these laws are still in force, especially since some of them are over 80 years old. Who would have thought it was still mandatory for taxi drivers to ask their passengers if they have smallpox or the plague!”
The results are unusual, so read on to find out how people may have broken the law without knowing it.
Flying a kite in a public place is technically illegal
A normally harmless and fairly common activity for families and friends in the summertime, flying a kite in a public place is technically illegal. Introduced by the Metropolitan Police Act in 1839, “Any person who flies a kite or plays a game to the annoyance of residents or passengers.” could face a fine of £500.
This law prohibits kite flying, which disturbs other people, but the problem with this is that it’s open to different interpretations of exactly what others consider to be disturbing others.
In England and Wales it is illegal to be found drunk in a pub or licensed establishment
In what may be a surprising piece of legislation, getting drunk in pubs or licensed venues is actually illegal in England and Wales. Section 12 of the License Act 1872 states: “Any person found intoxicated on a freeway or other public place, whether inside a building or not, or inside a licensed building.”
The law was amended in the Licensing (Amendment) Act 1988 to extend this ban to all public places – including pubs, clubs and even private homes where alcohol is sold.
Shaking carpets on the street is prohibited
People may need to shake out a rug or rug to remove dirt or dust, but while this may seem harmless, it’s actually against the law to…
