Ancient British Law Means It's Against The Law To Be Drunk In A Pub

If you've got a booze-filled bumper bank holiday weekend planned, then you might want to think again, because it's actually illegal to be drunk in a pub in the UK. And here's me thinking that was the only reason to go into one.

While many of us probably know that a landlord can get in trouble if they're caught serving people who are already bladdered, and we all know that being 'drunk and disorderly' is illegal - not to mention really annoying for anyone who is unfortunate to come into contact with the aforementioned 'drunk and disorderly' person.

You may not know that according to a pretty ancient law it's illegal to be drunk in 'any licensed premises'.

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According to Section 12 of the Licensing Act 1872, "every person found drunk in any highway or other public place, whether a building or not, or on any licensed premises", with the Telegraph reporting anyone found 'drunk in a pub' could be whacked with a 200 quid fine.

And if that's not enough for you, it is also an offence under the Metropolitan Police Act 1839 for the 'keeper of a public house to permit drunkenness or disorderly conduct on the premises'.

The Licensing Act 2003 further adds: "It is illegal to refuse to leave a licensed premises when ordered to do so by staff or police. Anyone who doesn't could be arrested and prosecuted. If convicted, they could receive a fine up to £200."

Meaning if you're drunk and being a pest and asked to leave, it's probably worth your while to just do as you're told.

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And it's not even just yourself you need to worry about. You can also get hit with a hefty fine if you try and buy your drunk pal a drink. The Licensing Act states: "It is an offence for a person to knowingly get, or try to get, alcohol for a drunken person on licensed premises."

And, if you're caught buying a drink for someone who is already drunk you could be whacked with £1000 fine, which is pretty heavy and definitely not what you need after a weekend of drinking.

However, what is less clear is what actually constitutes as being 'drunk' but it's fair to say it's a bloody minefield. I think I'll just stay in with a bottle of rum and Netflix.

Sources: Lawcom; Drink Less Enjoy More; Legislation.gov.uk

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Alcohol, Weird, UK

Claire Reid

Claire is a journalist at LADbible who, after dossing around for a few years, went to Liverpool John Moores University. She graduated with a degree in Journalism and a whole load of debt. When not writing words in exchange for money she is usually at home watching serial killer documentaries surrounded by cats. You can contact Claire at [email protected]

@ClaireReid19