While you might think you know what is against the law and what isn’t, there are some laws that still exist from years ago that you might not be aware of.
Here’s a roundup of some of the interesting UK laws that exist.
From flying a kite to handling fish suspiciously, have you broken any?
UK laws you might not know about
Shaking a rug in the street
While you might think getting up early to give your house a clean is a good way to get the household chore out of the way is a good idea, you might need to reconsider your actions.
It’s illegal to shake rugs, carpets and even mats before 8am under section 60 of the Metropolitan Police Act 1839 with the exception of door mats.
To be drunk in a pub or licensed premises
Drinking alcohol in a pub is a popular activity in the UK but becoming drunk in one is actually against the law.
The Licensing Act of 1872 (section 12) states that if someone is found drunk in a public place they “shall be liable to a penalty not exceeding”.
Flying a kite
If you spend your summer days outside with the family, you could be breaking the law without realising it.
Flying a kite might seem like an innocent activity but it’s actually illegal in a public place.
Section 54 of the Metropolitan Police Act 1839 prevents danger as well as “annoyance of the inhabitants or passengers”.
Anyone “who shall fly any kite or play at any game to the annoyance of the inhabitants or passengers, or who shall make or use any slide upon ice or snow in any street or other thoroughfare, to the common danger of the passengers” is breaking the law.
Knock on the door and run away
While you might have found knocking on someone's door and running away a fun game when you were younger, the game shouldn’t actually be played.
The Metropolitan Police Act 1839 says “every person who shall wilfully and wantonly disturb any inhabitant by pulling or ringing any door-bell or knocking at any door without lawful excuse, or who shall wilfully and unlawfully extinguish the light of any lamp” is breaking the law.
Handling fish suspiciously
Who knew handling a fish could mean you’re breaking the law?
Holding a fish in “suspicious circumstances”, is an illegal activity according to section 32 of the Salmon Act 1986.
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