Party laws of the land: What you need to know about by-laws in London
With the weather still warm and thousands of new and returning students descending upon London over the next
couple of weeks, there’s no doubt house parties will be thrown in the student-populated areas of the city.
This undeniable truth doesn’t mean that all students are going to have the Police at their doorstep, in
fact, the best way to keep the cops from busting up your good time is to know the laws and be prepared. Some of
London’s by-laws may be a bit different that those in other cities across the province or country, so here’s a
run down.
Let’s make some noise
Noise, whether it’s music, shouting or loud singing, tends to be a tip-off for neighbours and Police. This is an common offence house parties are slapped with and it’s a widespread misconception that the laws are only in effect after 11 pm, when in fact, here in London noise laws are 24-hours. The penalty for a loud party just increased this summer, with surcharges included, to approximately $200 for each tenant who is on the lease and is in attendance.
Pissing in Public
Boys this one is for you and it is one of the more common charges laid during the month of September in London. If you are caught “relieving yourself,” drunk or not, anywhere but a restroom you are considered a nuisance and fined between $120 and $130 by Police.
Letting the booze flow in the streets
The backyard, front yard and driveway are all legal places to crack-open a beer, but as soon as you step onto the sidewalk or road, you are considered to have open alcohol. This can set you back $125 if caught by the Police, so watch where your feet land.
Inebriated in the neighbourhood
Believe us, the Police are watching and just waiting for you to make a fool of yourself. Whether you are stumbling home outside a bar and making a scene or walking the streets during a house party and being belligerent, technically public drunkenness is a crime. Being excessively sauced-up out in society can cost you $65 and a night in jail if you are not careful.
That’s assault, brotha
We all know judgment is impaired when you’re hitting the sauce, but there is no excuse for being a pain in everyone’s ass. Yes, that means throwing beer bottles, or any other kind of assault can get you in some serious trouble, especially if that anger is directed at Police. No matter how you do it, or whom you do it to, you are going to find yourself explaining how drunk you were in a court of law.
Let’s make some noise
Noise, whether it’s music, shouting or loud singing, tends to be a tip-off for neighbours and Police. This is an common offence house parties are slapped with and it’s a widespread misconception that the laws are only in effect after 11 pm, when in fact, here in London noise laws are 24-hours. The penalty for a loud party just increased this summer, with surcharges included, to approximately $200 for each tenant who is on the lease and is in attendance.
Pissing in Public
Boys this one is for you and it is one of the more common charges laid during the month of September in London. If you are caught “relieving yourself,” drunk or not, anywhere but a restroom you are considered a nuisance and fined between $120 and $130 by Police.
Letting the booze flow in the streets
The backyard, front yard and driveway are all legal places to crack-open a beer, but as soon as you step onto the sidewalk or road, you are considered to have open alcohol. This can set you back $125 if caught by the Police, so watch where your feet land.
Inebriated in the neighbourhood
Believe us, the Police are watching and just waiting for you to make a fool of yourself. Whether you are stumbling home outside a bar and making a scene or walking the streets during a house party and being belligerent, technically public drunkenness is a crime. Being excessively sauced-up out in society can cost you $65 and a night in jail if you are not careful.
That’s assault, brotha
We all know judgment is impaired when you’re hitting the sauce, but there is no excuse for being a pain in everyone’s ass. Yes, that means throwing beer bottles, or any other kind of assault can get you in some serious trouble, especially if that anger is directed at Police. No matter how you do it, or whom you do it to, you are going to find yourself explaining how drunk you were in a court of law.
