Latest news with #swearing
Daily Mail
20 hours ago
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Is THIS Britain's strictest seaside council? Popular towns hit with 'unfair' clampdown after beach brawls... but locals say 'it's not our fault'
Locals at one of Britain's most popular seaside towns are furious at being slapped with an 'insane' and 'patronising' crackdown on swearing after a series of violent incidents. Broadstairs in Kent has become a 'warzone' after a string of brawls have impacted the reputation of the 'beautiful' town. Visitor numbers have plummeted and business is down this summer, according to locals and businesses. In response, Thanet District Council is looking at bringing in a 'bizarre' scheme which sees those that use foul language get fined £100 in an effort to curb anti-social behaviour which has seen an Italian restaurant attacked and a huge beach fight. The Thanet council ban would not just affect Broadstairs but also the neighbouring towns of Ramsgate and Margate which have also suffered from anti-social behaviour this year. But furious residents and tourists believe they are being unfairly blamed for the rise in violence and antisocial behaviour. The most shocking examples of violence include a huge fight on the beach last month which saw hundreds of youths brawl in the open air. Terrifying footage shows the group surround two males who were throwing punches and slaps at each other on a walkaway behind a row of beach huts. The brawl then spilled out onto sand where a baying mob screamed and seemed to urged the pair to carry on fighting. Horrified children and families ran for cover. Another serious incident that has paralysed the close knit community this summer saw a gang of 30 youths surround and target a family-run Italian restaurant in the town. They stormed towards staff at Sardinia, who had helped protect a youth who had been the victim of an assault outside the restaurant. The gang throw a series of chairs at the building before a staff member chases one youth off. In response, the council is looking to introduce fines for those caught swearing. Avdi Kotarja, 39, manager of the restaurant, told Mail Online: 'It was awful. I was there that night, it was horrific. We were helping a guy who was getting attacked and stopped him from more pain and more beatings. 'That's how it all happened. They then came for us. It was terrifying. 'Some of the youths there that night who were involved walk around town as if nothing happened. 'Our customers are brilliant and we love Broadstairs. But there is certainly an issue here. 'I don't see how banning swearing will have any impact. It's bigger than that.'. Patrick Deane, 76, has lived in the town all his life, and said he is worried about going out at night. The retired builder said: 'It's a warzone. I don't feel safe. We don't see police but do have plenty of these private security people. The town has an edge to it as if it could kick off at any moment. I'm scared at night here. 'A lot of my friends feel the same. What is banning swearing going to do? That will end up targeting the wrong people? The people carrying out this violence are serious. They need a proper punishment. 'Not a fine for swearing. The plan is frankly insulting to those people who live and work here or those that have gone through this.' Fellow residents John Corbett, 71, and Caroline Miners, 82, said the town had become 'lost to the gangs' and 'plagued by yobs.' Mr Corbett, who has lived there for 20 years, said: 'It's so sad. I want Broadstairs to go back to what it was. A beautiful and pleasant place where people could relax and people played on the beach. Now people are scared. 'We get these private security people wandering around. You don't see many police. People are scared. 'It's all fueled by alcohol which is drank on the streets and drugs. The locals are great. We just want a nice time. It's caused by youths, some who live here and some from London. 'They think it's just a big play area to them.' Caroline added: 'I've lived here 50 years and it's as bad as it has ever been. The authorities do not do anything worthwhile. 'Banning swearing is a joke. I genuinely thought people were having a laugh. We're talking about youths terrorising restaurants, family businesses, having huge organised fights and intimidating people. 'It's all fuelled by drinking. They've ruined beach huts which were beautiful. They're just destroying the area. People are staying away. 'This is further down the line and more serious than just some swearing. The people who suggested that are very naive.' Despite the presence of council security who MailOnline saw prowling the promenade, Carole wanted to see more police. She said: 'They arrive to react. But we don't see them on patrol. That's what we need.' Shop keeper Adrian Poulter, 56, said he had experienced 'numerous' problems with youths in recent months. He said: 'Shoplifting this year has become a big issue. It never has before. I've had to ban groups in my shop. They just flood in and steal a lot of items and run off. It's terrible. 'I've had more shoplifting this year than in the last 10 years of being here. I don't think they're all local. They often film it and no doubt put it on social media. 'There is absolutely no respect. Bans on swearing will not work, they'll just laugh. It's an insane plan. The town is lost. I know businesses which have closed and people who have moved and won't come back. It's very sad.' Liz and Graham Sage were visiting Broadstairs on Friday lunchtime from nearby Whitstable. They visited the town the evening after the violence erupted at Sardinia. Graham, 76, said: 'There was absolutely at atmosphere that evening we visited. Everyone was on an edge and that has not gone away. If anything, it has increased. 'It's youths from the town and those from outside. We have visited today in the day, I'm not sure we would want to come at night.' Liz added: 'It's a huge shame. People work so hard around here. It's a beautiful area. I don't know what they will do to stop it. 'But some sort of swearing ban won't work. That would just become a huge joke. It's patronising. You've got private security people. 'But everyone wants more police.' Councillor Heather Keen, Cabinet Member for Community said: 'Antisocial behaviour can have a damaging effect on our local community. 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 Public Spaces Protection Order (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. 'The specific behaviours referred to within the orders – including the reference to foul and abusive language – are all similar to the district's previous PSPO which was 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 and the south east. 'To be clear, the restriction around language is not aimed at preventing free speech or swearing. Specifically the PSPO relates to 'using foul or abusive language within the hearing or sight of another person who is likely to be caused harassment, alarm or distress by this'. This particular restriction is being proposed to address a significant issue in the areas covered by the PSPO. Evidence to support this has been provided by police, Ward Councillors and residents as well as business owners. 'The enforcement of this measure is not subjective. It involves an objective test and any antisocial behaviour will be judged against the impact on the reasonable person. 'We sought to implement a PSPO in similar terms to the one that it is currently proposed, in the summer of last year. Following a threat of legal challenge to that process, we decided to gather further evidence which indicates that the introduction of a restriction to address this issue is proportionate. We have also carried out a comprehensive consultation. The public and stakeholder response has again indicated overwhelming support for all of the proposed restrictions. 'As a result we will consider the proposed order when the Cabinet meets on Thursday 24 July to carefully consider the results of consultation and take a view. Subject to approval, we will seek to implement this as soon as possible.' Superintendent Dan Carter of Kent Police, said: 'The decision to continue the dispersal orders in Thanet has been made to ensure that our coastline remains a safe place, and they are one of the several tools we're using to deal swiftly with antisocial behaviour as we move further into summer 'Orders remain in constant review and will be utilised as needed. I am continually grateful to residents and businesses for their support and feedback. By working closely with the community to identify their concerns, it means we can tackle those issues head on. 'I would also urge parents to speak to their children about the impact that antisocial behaviour can have on others. Antisocial behaviour can have serious consequences not only for victims, but for young people themselves, who may face police action or prosecution.'
The Guardian
4 days ago
- The Guardian
Why the flip is an English council trying to ban swearing?
Name: Swearing. Age: It never gets old. Appearance: Anywhere people experience surprise, anger, distress, mild incredulity or a shortage of adjectives, except in Thanet. Thanet? Where the @&^% is Thanet? It's a peninsula on the north-eastern tip of Kent, including the seaside towns of Margate, Ramsgate and Broadstairs. Why can't you swear there? Because Thanet district council doesn't want you to. I see. And how do they plan to @&^%ing stop me? With a public spaces protection order (PSPO). What's that? In effect, it's an Asbo with a geographic boundary, in this case allowing police to issue fines of £100 to anyone 'using foul or abusive language in such a manner that is loud and can be heard by others and cause either alarm or distress' in a designated area. I prize my right to free expression highly, but a hundred quid is a lot of money. It's only £60 if you pay within 14 days. When does this come in? It hasn't yet but, if the council passes the measure, the PSPO could be in place for three years. Has anyone tried to ban swearing before? Many times over many centuries. The Profane Oaths Act of 1745 introduced fines for the 'horrid, impious and execrable vices of profane cursing and swearing'. I meant more recently. Thanet district council tried it only last summer. What happened then? It ditched the idea after the Free Speech Union (FSU) threatened to make it the subject of a judicial review. And what's happened since? A rise in antisocial behaviour on the seafront has prompted the council to try again. I thought swearing was supposed to be good for you. It's true that studies have shown swearing can improve your mood, make you more impervious to pain and increase muscle performance during exercise. And yet Thanet wants to ban it. According to Ch Insp Ian Swallow of the Kent police, this PSPO is specifically designed to target abusive language that is threatening and escalates trouble. 'This is not a reference to casual swearing,' he said. I should effing hope not. Anyway, it's just the latest in a long line of attempts to curb foul language since PSPOs were first introduced in 2014. Did any of them work? Hard to say. Salford outlawed swearing in 2016, but dropped the measure in 2019. In that same period, 15 other councils used PSPOs to ban foul language. In some places, they received public support and, in others, people campaigned against it. Do say: 'One really ought to be articulate enough to cause people distress without swearing.' Don't say: 'A hundred pounds? Holy $£*!.'
The Sun
4 days ago
- The Sun
English seaside hotspot to fine people £100 for SWEARING in ‘draconian' council crackdown
A POPULAR seaside hotspot has introduced new plans to issue £100 fines for swearing in a controversial council crackdown. Council papers from a meeting earlier this week have revealed that the authority hopes to enforce these controversial fines to tackle antisocial behaviour. 6 6 Council crackdown on swearing and 'foul' language A report from Thanet District Council said: "All persons are prohibited from using foul or abusive language in such a manner that is loud and can be heard by others and cause either alarm or distress to any other person in any public place." This rule comes under the public space protection order (PSPO) - which the council is trying to reinstate after a failed attempt last year. The penalty for breaking this PSPO, which will cover the entirety of Margate, Ramsgate and Broadstairs, is £100 to be paid within 28 days, with a reduced fine of £60 if paid within 14 days. In addition to swearing, the order also bans anti-social groups, misuse of public space, urinating, deficating or spitting, legal psychoactive substances (such as nitrous oxide), humiliating others and consuming alcohol. Council responds to criticism This comes after Thanet District Council attempted to initiate this order last July. The authority declared the restrictions were to stop "foul or abusive language" from ruining the peaceful atmosphere of the streets. However, after the Free Speech Union (FSU) threatened to take legal action, the scheme was scrapped a month later. This order has been met with criticism, of which the new report acknowledges. The document explains that exceptions will be made if people have a "reasonable excuse" for breaking the rules. It states: "In response to these concerns, residents should be reassured that there are a number of protections within the order. "The first is that there is a defence of 'reasonable excuse' so that if someone appeared to be in breach of one of the restrictions but had a reasonable excuse, then no further action would be taken. "The second is that the Human Rights Act remains applicable and the rights afforded under Article 10 and 11, freedom of expression and assembly, remain relevant." The beautiful lake an hour from London with overwater bungalows like the Maldives Kent Police in favour of restrictions Chief Inspector Ian Swallow from Kent Police is in favour of the PSPO. In a letter of support, 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. "We believe that the implementation of the PSPO is a necessary measure to reduce crime, disorder, and ASB on the Thanet District, and to provide Officers and staff suitable powers to deal with such behaviour." He also explained that he sees a lot of this type of anti-social behaviour in the area, with police receiving reports of swearing and threatening behaviour on the town's beaches during the summer months. 6 6 Mr Swallow claimed they receive multiple reports from businesses and councillors of street drinkers and young people abusing shopkeepers and members of the public trying to use the town centre amenities. He concluded: "This type of behaviour if left unchecked can escalate and result in violence or other disorder." Councillor addresses PSPO plans Councillor Heather Keen, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods at Thanet District council, said: "Antisocial behaviour can have a damaging effect on our local community. "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." She explained that the PSPO aims to reduce this antisocial behaviour. Ms Keen also shared that the proposed restrictions are not only similar to the district's previous PSPO, but they also mirror those put in place across other parts of Kent. On the subject of free speech, she added: "To be clear, 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. "Evidence gathered by officers indicates that this is a significant issue impacting residents." Ms Keen also addressed the legal action which was threatened to be taken against the previous PSPO, saying they have since gathered further evidence which indicates that this restriction in proportionate. She said: "The public and stakeholder response has again indicated overwhelming support for all of the proposed restrictions. "As a result we will consider the proposed order when the Cabinet meets on Thursday 24 July to carefully consider the results of consultation and take a view. "Subject to approval, we will seek to implement this as soon as possible." Cabinet 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 Sun has reached out to Thanet District Council for further comment. 6 6
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
The laws around swearing in public as council plans £100 fines for bad language
Residents of seaside towns in south east England could be fined £100 for swearing in public, under fresh council proposals. Thanet District Council has launched a fresh bid to see restrictions on 'foul or abusive language' brought in to the Kent seaside towns of Birchington, Margate, Ramsgate and Broadstairs. The council tried to apply for similar rules – known as a public space protection order (PSPO) – last July. That scheme was scrapped a month later after the Free Speech Union (FSU) threatened legal action. However, council papers for a meeting on Tuesday have revealed that the authority now hopes to revisit the rules to crack down on anti-social behaviour. In their reasoning for bringing the fines back, the report states that police officers found it a helpful tool, and that they have experienced "increased difficulties in managing some of the identified forms of anti-social behaviour". The report says: 'There is an ongoing issue of antisocial behaviour in the Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate areas. The causes of this are complex and the PSPO is recognised by all of those working with such behaviour, as being one of the effective tools for dealing with this.' According to the document, the rule states: 'All persons are prohibited from using foul or abusive language in such a manner that is loud and can be heard by others and cause either alarm or distress to any other person in any public place.' The penalty for breaking the PSPO, which will cover Margate, Ramsgate and Broadstairs entirely, is £100 to be paid within 28 days - but is reduced to £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. However, they say that exceptions will be made if people have a "reasonable excuse" for having broken the rules. Cabinet members are expected to discuss the revisited order in the council chamber on 24 July. If approved, the PSPO will be in place for three years. Yahoo News UK has contacted the Free Speech Union for a comment. Swearing in public isn't automatically illegal – it becomes an offence under the Public Order Act 1986, Section 5, if it's threatening or abusive and likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress. However, context is key and aggressive swearing in a crowded place can break the law, unlike casual swearing among friends. Someone must feel or be likely to feel distressed for it to be an offence. Police officers are less likely to be considered distressed and so swearing in front of them will not necessarily see you fined. There is also an offence of using obscene language in the street to the annoyance of residents. However, an arrest for this is only likely if the behaviour occurs in the presence of a police officer. Other laws, like the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, apply if swearing is racially or religiously aggravated. Local bylaws may also restrict swearing in specific areas. Freedom of expression under the Human Rights Act 1998 protects some swearing. However, courts balance this right against preventing public disorder. Breaching Section 5 of the Public Order Act 1986 can lead to a fine up to £1,000. No prison sentence is typically imposed for this offence. If swearing is racially or religiously aggravated under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, penalties are harsher. Offenders could face up to seven years in prison or an unlimited fine. Local bylaws, like those proposed by Thanet, may result in fixed penalty notices, often around £100. Non-payment could lead to court action and higher fines. Police may issue a penalty notice for disorder (PND) for minor offences, costing £80. Paying this avoids court but admits guilt. In rare cases, persistent or extreme behaviour could escalate to charges under broader public order laws. This might involve community orders or, in exceptional cases, short custodial sentences. Click below to see the latest South and South East headlines
The Sun
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Awkward moment GK Barry is forced to apologise as she swears live on air – admitting ‘I thought my mic was off'
GK Barry left viewers gobsmacked after accidentally swearing live on air during her radio show - and had to rush out a quick apology, confessing, 'I thought my mic was off!' The comedy star, known for her sharp wit and no-nonsense humour, clearly didn't expect her slip-up to go straight to millions of ears. 4 4 GK Barry went from viral sensation to a broadcasting star - after landing herself the coveted big Radio 1 job. Hosting BBC Radio 1's weekend afternoon show throughout July, she will be on air from 1pm to 4pm every Saturday and Sunday. But, the newbie slipped up big time, dropping a swear word live on air on Sunday, while presenting alongside Melvin Odoom. She apologised as soon as the song was over saying: "Guys, I am so sorry if you heard me swear. I thought my mic was off. "I'm so sorry. Let's keep this a peaceful Sunday and move on." GK Barry addressed her mistake on her TikTok page explaining: "I was introducing a band and went f***ed it!" "And everyone in the studio was like 'No!' and they had to call HR and say 'Grace has sworn.'" "And I had to apologise and I wasn't allowed to laugh during the apology, because it's very serious. "And I'm really really sorry for swearing on national radio. I'm really embarrassed, I'm not going to sleep tonight, because it's going to come back to haunt me." She then turned to her partner, Ella Rutherford, and asked: "Did you find it sexy though?" GK Barry reveals reason I'm A Celeb cast no longer speak seven months after the show - and Maura and Danny's drunken Brits kiss Ella replied: "Yeah. If anyone is going to do it, it's going to be you." GK Barry joked: "That's all that matters then," before addressing Radio 1 and adding: "Sorry to everyone at Radio 1 that was listening today. "But at the end of the day, it is live, and if you do have me on live radio there is a chance of that. "I'm really sorry I thought the mic was down and I won't do it again Radio 1. Please don't sack me." Who is GK Barry? GK Barry amassed more than a million followers on TikTok in just over a year during the first UK lockdown in 2020. Grace Keeling, better known as GK Barry, is a 25-year-old social media influencer. She rose to fame during the first Covid-19 lockdown in 2020, creating a TikTok account and posting short vlogs showcasing her day-to-day life. Although she originally intended on staying low-key, she gained a large following in no time at all. By August 2020, only five months after starting her account, she had already hit 100,000 followers, reaching more than a million in just over a year. She now has over 4.5million followers across her social media platforms. After completing a degree in film studies from Nottingham Trent University, Grace furthered her education with a master's in digital marketing. While at Nottingham Trent, she worked on the set of BBC series Doctors and the Netflix film Hood, as well as creating content for ShawMind — a charity working to promote mental health awareness. Grace is known for her podcast, named The Saving Grace Podcast. On the show she invites celebrities and influencers to have a chat about life and the latest trends, as well as any embarrassing stories from their past. In May 2024, Grace said she was dating a female footballer. Then in June it came out that the soccer star in question plays for England. The Sun revealed that Grace and Charlton Athletic striker Ella Rutherford, 24, are getting serious — they've met each other's family and holidayed together. A source exclusively told The Sun: "GK has been seeing Ella for a while but they are very much official now. "They grew even closer on holiday in Benidorm and GK has met all her family. "She's really happy and they are having so much fun together." Fans were quick to flood social media, with many having a good laugh at the unexpected blooper. Taking to the comment section on TikTok, one wrote: "I heard it it was hilarious." Another added: "Kinda iconic of u." A third penned: "I heard that live and just laughed and rolled my eyes thinking that's such a Grace thing to do." A fourth said: "Hahahaha I was in the car with my kids listening!" Despite the cringe moment, GK quickly recovered and kept the show on track. With a prime slot on one of the UK's biggest stations, GK's brings her signature blend of humour and honesty to millions every week. Not only is GK Barry taking the reins solo, but she'll also be joined by a line-up of rotating guest co-hosts to keep things fresh and buzzing. The comedy star couldn't hide her excitement about fronting her own show - saying it's a whole different ball game from her usual podcasting gigs. This comes after GK Barry revealed the I'm A Celeb cast no longer speak after Maura and Danny's drunken kiss. Speaking on The Katie Price podcast, GK told the former glamour model how the group has disintegrated. She admitted: 'We had a group chat. It has died down slightly as you can imagine, it's died down." She added: 'But I still keep in contact with the Rev (Richard Coles) - and Dean (McCullough) I still keep in contact with a little bit, but mainly the Rev and Melvin (Odoom)." The internet personality entered the I'm A Celeb Jungle last year and quickly became a fan favourite and ended up placing fifth. Following her TV stint she went on to make multiple appearances on daytime TV show Loose Women. Meanwhile, McFly star Danny 's marriage to his wife Georgia has been rocked since appearing on the show. Singer Danny, 39, has been trying to move on from the fall out from his "drunken kiss" with Maura Higgins, 34, at the Brit Awards. Wife and podcaster Georgia - who briefly moved out of the family home following the kiss scandal - was reportedly "furious" at the way the Star Girl singer had handled the aftermath of the scandal. A few of the campmates are set to be working together soon, which could make things very awkward for Maura and Danny. 4 4
