Labour-run council to reinstate fines for swearing
Thanet district council said it intended to bring back the ban because police officers had said they struggled to manage antisocial behaviour (ASB) without it.
The public space protection order (PSPO) was proposed in July last year, but plans were scrapped after the Free Speech Union threatened legal action against the 'draconian measure'.
However, council papers for a meeting on Tuesday revealed that the authority would revisit the controversial scheme that would fine people for 'using foul or abusive language in such a manner that is loud and can be heard by others and cause either alarm or distress'.
The plans said: 'There is an ongoing issue of ASB in the Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate areas.
'The PSPO is recognised by all of those working with such behaviour as being one of the effective tools for dealing with this.
'Since [last summer] police report experiencing increased difficulties in managing some of the identified forms of ASB.'
Chief Insp Ian Swallow, from Kent Police, wrote a letter of support for the PSPO.
He wrote: 'I can confirm that Kent Police support the implementation of a PSPO for the Thanet district and agree with the proposed prohibitions and requirements.
'[It] is a necessary measure to reduce crime, disorder, and ASB in the Thanet District, and to provide officers and staff suitable powers to deal with such behaviour.'
Among the issues at hand, he highlighted 'swearing and threatening behaviour', 'abusive and foul language' and 'multiple reports from businesses and councillors of street drinkers and young people abusing shopkeepers'.
'Restricting liberties'
The Free Speech Union last year said Thanet Council's plan was 'the worst' example they had seen of the misuse of PSPOs.
They said at the time: 'It effectively imposes a strict liability speech offence, with none of the safeguards which Parliament and the courts have deemed necessary when restricting people's fundamental rights and liberties.'
The penalty for breaking the PSPO is £100 paid within 28 days, or £60 if paid within 14 days.
The order also bans anti-social groups, misuse of public space, urinating, defecating or spitting, legal psychoactive substances (such as nitrous oxide), humiliating others and consuming alcohol.
The report acknowledges a lot of criticism of the order, including the vague nature of the term 'foul language' and fears of disruption to peaceful protests.
It added that there are a 'number of protections' in place to reassure residents that include the defence of 'reasonable excuse' as well as rights to freedom of expression.
Cllr Heather Keen, s cabinet member for neighbourhoods at Thanet district council, said: 'We've sadly seen situations in our public spaces recently which have escalated and we know that local people, visitors and businesses want more to be done to tackle this.
'The proposed PSPO aims to reduce antisocial behaviour and provide the vital tools, which are needed to intervene. Without this, the ability of the police to respond to crime and disorder is impacted and crime, in the form of antisocial behaviour, increases.
She added: 'The restriction around language is not aimed at preventing free speech or swearing, but foul language that is such to cause fear, distress or alarm.'
Council members are expected to discuss the revisited order in the council chamber on July 24.
If approved, the PSPO will be in place for three years.
The Thanet district council and the FSU have been approached for comment.
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