Weird Laws of UK
Tags: Common Law, UK Politics, History, Law, Politics

We have to follow many laws and rules, but some laws are so weird it is hard to believe are still part of their law books in the UK. Please do not take my word for it; check it out by yourselves.

Getting Drunk in a Pub

Photo by Alexander Popov on Unsplash

Did you know it is illegal to get drunk inside a licensed pub? Well, Section 12 of the Licensing Act 1872 states that ‘Every person found drunk in any highway or other public spot or on any licensed premises shall be liable to a penalty. The motive behind this Act is to enforce lower levels of drinking.

No Strolling Cows down the Road in Daylight

Image by Nguyen Do from Pixabay

Under Metropolitan Street Acts 1867, ‘Cattle not to be driven through streets within certain hours.’ Farmers and cattle lovers cannot walk their cows through the streets between 10 a.m to 7 p.m unless you have obtained permission directly from the Commissioner of Police. Suppose found breaking the law you liable to a penalty.

Playing Knock-Down Ginger.

Thankfully, I don’t live in the UK; otherwise, I would have been charged for breaking the law because I used to run away after ringing our neighbor’s bell willfully. I hope Brits stop their children from playing this game because you can penalize them for a maximum of £500.

No Gambling

Under the UK’s Libraries Offences Act 1898, there ought to be repercussions if a person behaves in a cluttered way when in a library or a reading room like if a person speaks abusive or obscene language falls under this Act. If a person is found gambling in the library, the action will fall under the disorderly manner.

Cleaning your Doormat after 8 a.m

Once again, the Metropolitan Police Act 1839’s Section 60 states that you cannot shake or beat a doormat after 8 a.m. If you do so, there will be a fine of up to £500.

Going to Parties Wearing Police or Armed Force Clothing

If you are requested to attend a fancy costume party and planning to wear full army gear or a law enforcer, please stop right there because according to the Seamen’s and Soldiers’ False Characters Act 1906 and the Police Act 1996, it is illegal to impersonate to be a part of the armed forces or the police officer. I am sure Brits love their armed forces and police, but that love would land them in custody.

All Beached Whales and Sturgeons should be Offered to the Reigning Monarch.

An ancient 14th-century statue known as ‘Prerogative Regis’ gives that all whales and sturgeons found on the coast are the Crown’s property. They are classified as the ‘Royal Fish.’ The King reserved the privilege to the head, and the Queen reserved the right to the tail.

It is Unlawful to Handle a Salmon in Suspicious Circumstances.

Photo by NOAA on Unsplash

Section 32 of the Salmon Act 1986 specifies that handling a salmon in suspicious circumstances is illegal, so please stop. As far as UK laws go, you might think this is the most ludicrous. In 1986 Salmon was considered a valuable commodity, so creating the Act was to regularise the fisheries, preventing illegal fishing trade, and avoid shady trade deals and poaching. Nonetheless, the Act was done in good faith, but its wording tosses up into troubled waters.

Although the list is long, I have mentioned the weirdest ones.