Council puts forward Public Spaces Protection Order including ban on foul language

The order will cover Westgate-on-Sea, Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate and proposes restrictions on the following activities:

• Anti-social groups
• Misuse of public place
• Using foul or abusive language within the hearing or sight of any other person likely to be caused harassment, alarm or distress by this
• Excreting bodily fluids
• Consuming legal psychoactive substances and other legal intoxicants
• Causing humiliation or degradation
• Consuming alcohol

Thanet sought to implement a similar PSPO last summer, but backed away from the move following a legal challenge.

The council then decided to "gather further evidence which indicates that the introduction of a restriction to address this issue is proportionate" before pursuing the order again, Cllr Heather Keen, Thanet's Cabinet Member for Community, said.

The council also carried out a consultation, which indicated "overwhelming support" for all of the proposed restrictions, according to Cllr Keen.

She said: "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."

She added that the restriction around foul language "is not aimed at preventing free speech or swearing", adding: "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 cabinet is set to review the proposals on Thursday (24 July).

Adam Carey