Law in the UK

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Knives

A knife is a weapon that can cause serious injury if misused.

Therefore it is illegal to personally carry a knife with a cutting

edge of more than 7.62cm. If you are found to be in possession of

a knife in a public place you could be arrested.


Many jobs require knives to be used in the workplace. This is of

course acceptable as part of your employment.


You must be over 18 years of age to purchase items with sharp

blades, for example razors and knives.


Drugs

There is legislation that controls the use of drugs in the UK.
 

Generally, the only drugs you are allowed to possess are  

medicines which have been prescribed by your doctor or which

are available to buy from a pharmacy.


However, in the UK, tobacco, alcohol and solvents (gas, glues and

aerosols) are also classed as drugs.

There are separate laws that control the sale of these

substances. In order to purchase them you have to be able to prove you are over a certain age*. The age

restrictions are shown below:


Type of Drug

 Minimum Age
Tobacco 18 years
(Northern Ireland: 16 years)
Alcohol 18 years
Solvents 18 years
(Scotland: 16 years)

 

Possession of cannabis is illegal in the UK.


*Use your driving licence or passport as proof of age.


Alcohol

The legal age to buy alcohol in the UK is 18. Do not be offended if you are asked to show identification

to prove your age when buying alcohol or entering pubs or clubs. Your passport or driving licence are

acceptable forms of identification.


Please drink sensibly and enjoy yourself.
 

Remember:  

• It is an offence to be drunk and disorderly in a public place. You can be arrested and fined.  

• If you are convicted three times in a year of offences related to drunkenness, you can be banned

from purchasing alcohol for three years.

If you have an alcohol problem, there are places you can go for help. If you talk to your doctor,

they will be able to give you guidance. The National Alcoholics Anonymous Helpline is available by telephoning

0845 769 7555. You can get confidential help and advice about dealing with alcoholism.


Public Order

The police in the UK have the power to arrest people engaging in threatening, disorderly or insulting

behaviour. If you are found to be using violence and intimidating behaviour against another person,

whether you are on your own or in a group, you will be penalised.
 

• Public order offences include:  

• Rioting  

• Violent disorder  

• Being drunk and disorderly  

• Criminal damage  

• Obstructing police  

• Being in possession of an offensive weapon


Anti-Social Behaviour Orderpolice

If you are found to be acting in an anti-social manner you could

have an Anti-Social Behaviour Order issued against you. An

Anti-Social Behaviour Order can be placed on a person from the

age of 10.

 

Behaviour which causes or is likely to cause harassment, alarm or

distress to other people in the community is seen as being

anti-social including:  

• Abusive and intimidating language  

• Noise nuisance  

• Littering  

• Drunken behaviour in public  

• Drug dealing  

• Under-age smoking / drinking

• Joyriding

• Prostitution

• Kerb-crawling

• Graffiti and other vandalism

• Begging

• Assault

• Vehicle crime

• Racial abuse


Hate Crimes

A hate crime is a serious criminal offence committed against a person or property due to hatred of

that person's gender, race, religion, colour, ethnicity, disability or sexual orientation.


People who commit a hate crime can be prosecuted in court which could lead to:

• A prison sentence

• Eviction

• A fine

• An Anti-Social Behaviour Order


Domestic Violence

Any incident of violent behaviour in a family or relationship counts as domestic violence. If you have

been mentally or physically harmed by someone close to you, report it immediately. You can talk

confidentially to a doctor, the police or a health visitor. They are all able to support and protect you.


In an emergency, you should telephone 999 and ask for the police. Domestic violence is treated very

seriously by the police and the courts.

A 24 hour National Domestic Violence Helpline offers confidential help and advice about domestic

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violence on 0808 2000 247.


If you are a victim of a hate crime - report it. Authorities such as

the police, schools and local authorities have a duty to protect

and support you.

A domestic violence directory is available online.


If You Are Charged with a Criminal Offence

If you have committed a criminal offence you should contact

the police. If you wish, you may contact a solicitor who will

accompany you to the police station.


If you are arrested on suspicion of carrying out an offence,

remember:

• Stay calm.

• Give your correct name and address if asked to do so.

• Do not be aggressive.

• Do not try to bribe the arresting police officer/s.

• Do not sign any statement until you have received advice

from a solicitor or lawyer.

There is always a solicitor on call at the police station.

If you are arrested or detained for questioning, you will be

entitled to make one free telephone call.

You will also be offered free and independent legal advice and

your rights will be explained to you.