Going to the pub and having a few drinks and getting drunk might seem something that is ordinary and happened to many of us, right? Well, getting drunk in a pub will actually land you in some huge trouble!
That's just an example of one of the many extraordinary UK laws that has probably been broken without people acknowledging that there are specific legislations in place. To keep us all up to date, the technology lawyer firm EM Law has identified some of the UK’s extraordinary laws that have ever existed, so let’s investigate what some of them are that everyone has probably at least infringed on at one point.
It is against the law to be found in a pub when intoxicated
Being drunk in a licenced establishment or public place is a crime as per section 12 of the 1872 Licensing Act and can lead to offenders having to pay a £200 fine. Additionally, selling alcohol to someone inebriated or disorderly is likewise illegal. The police can issue a £90 Fixed Penalty Notice to someone who distributes alcohol to someone who is inebriated under the Licensing Act 2003.
If the case goes to court, the fine might be doubled to £1,000. If their employees serve inebriated consumers, the business facility could be fined and lose its alcohol licence.
Putting a postage stamp upside down can be considered treasonous
There have been rumours that posting letters or parcels with a stamp of the queen's head upside down is considered treason because of the perception of dishonouring the monarchy's image.
Under the 1848 Treason Felony Act, it declared that it was illegal to "put any mark upon the monarch's coin or cash with intent to deface the same". However, this misconception has been debunked by the Royal Mail, which states that if someone placed a stamp upside down, they wouldn’t suffer such consequences. At worst, their intended parcel or letter would probably just be severely delayed in being sent to the intended recipient on time.
3. In the daylight, no cows should stroll along the street
Section 7 of the Metropolitan Streets Act, enacted in 1867, prohibited cattle enthusiasts and farmers from walking their treasured livestock during the day. If you were caught rallying your prized cattle down the street between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. without permission from the Commissioner of Police, you would have committed a crime.
Following suit, the Highway Act of 1980 rendered sleeping and stray livestock by the side of the road illegal. You could face a fine if your wandering cows were discovered kipping or mooching on the road. Allowing your cattle to clutter the road with mud and excrement is also illegal.
4. Dressing up as sailors or police officers with intent is a crime
Pretending to be a member of the armed forces or the police is unlawful under the Police Act 1996 and the Seamen's and Soldiers' False Characters Act 1906. Both of these offences can result in a prison sentence.
Conclusion
They often break some of these extraordinary UK laws without people even realising them. They might seem harmless and ridiculous, but it’s important to know that these legislations exist and breaking them is still technically against the law. So, the next time you’ve had a few too many drinks in a pub, be sure not to be too intoxicated!
