How Often Have People Broken the Law? These Unusual UK Laws Might Mean They Have Done So Without Realising

The UK plays host to some of the most unusual laws that still exist! With some as surprising as not being able to be drunk in a pub, how often have UK residents been breaking the law

EM Law is a modern commercial law firm based in Shoreditch, London and has conducted extensive research into the weird and wonderful laws that are still present in the UK today.

Katie Mills, an Executive Assistant at EM Law, said “It’s remarkable to think that some of these laws are still in effect, particularly as some of them are over 80 years old. Who knew that it was still obligatory for cab drivers to ask their passengers if they have smallpox or the plague!”

The findings are unusual, so keep reading to find out how people might have been breaking the law without knowing.

Flying a Kite in a public place is technically illegal

In what is usually a harmless and pretty normal activity for families and friends in the Summer, flying a kite in a public place is technically illegal. Brought in by the Metropolitan Police Act in 1839, “Any person who shall fly any kite or play at any game to the annoyance of the inhabitants or passengers” could have to pay a fine of £500.

This law prohibits kite flying that disturbs other people, but the issue with that is that it’s open to different interpretations of what exactly others construe as causing a disturbance to others.

It is illegal to be found drunk in a pub or on licensed premises in England and Wales

In what might be a surprising law, it is actually illegal to be drunk in a pub or licensed premises in England and Wales. Section 12 of The Licensing Act of 1872 states: “Every person found drunk on any highway or other public place, whether a building or not or any licensed premises.”

The act was amended in the Licensing (Amendment) Act 1988 to extend this prohibition to all public places – including pubs, clubs, and even private homes if alcohol is being sold there.

Shaking…