As Christmas is fast approaching, what better way to get into the festive spirit than taking a look at a few Christmas themed "law" myths...
Is it illegal to eat mince pies on Christmas Day?
Some speculation has it that mince pies were illegal to eat on the day of Christmas. However, the only Christmas Day where eating mince pies was illegal was 1644 due to December falling on a day of fasting.
Outcome: Legal
Eat all of the mince pies to your heart's desires!
Is it illegal to jump the queue in the Tube ticket hall?
You may be in a rush this Christmas getting in and around places, but just remember that under the TfL Railways Byelaws, any person directed to queue by an authorised person or a sign must join the rear of the queue and obey the reasonable instructions of any authorised person regulating the queue.
Outcome: Illegal
Be vigilant and don't jump the queue. The wait will be worth it.
Is it illegal to place a stamp of the Queen upside down on a letter?
If you're thinking of sending your gifts and letters out to family and friends this Christmas, this legal oddity might be something to consider. The Treason Felony Act 1848 made it an offence to do any act with the intention of deposing the monarch, but thankfully, placing a stamp upside down does not amount to this. According to Royal Mail it is perfectly acceptable to place a stamp upside down.
Outcome: Legal
Send out all of your gifts and letters with the stamp place upside down or even sideways!
Is it illegal to throw snowballs?
Although we don't usually get the amount of snow here in the UK to warrant a snowball fight, there have been others that have tried to enforce a law making snowball fights illegal. This is not illegal though as there is no law around this.
Outcome: Legal
Go and have a nice snowball fight with your family and friends (when we hopefully get snow)!
Is it illegal to be drunk on licensed premises?
Take note of how much you drink this Christmas season as it could result in a penalty under s12 of the Licensing Act particularly on licensed premises. This is also considered an offence under the Metropolitan Police Act 1839. And to top it off, it is an offence to sell alcohol to a person who is drunk or to obtain alcohol for consumption by a person who is drunk under the Licensing Act 2003.
Outcome: Illegal
Take care and be aware of how much your drink this party season, have fun but be safe!
To summarise, be aware and stay vigilant. The law is here to ensure that you are safe. Christmas is a time to be merry and to be enjoyed with your friends and loved ones.
Merry Christmas from all of us at Clapham and Collinge!
If you have a legal enquiry, contact our dedicated Client Relations Team on 01603 693500 or email us using the 'Make an enquiry' form. Appointments available at our Norwich, North Walsham and Sheringham offices.
Please note, all of our offices are closed from 5.00pm on Monday 23rd December and re-open at 9.00am on Thursday 2nd January 2020.
*This article is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or other professional advice.
