Tourist Fines & Rules in United Kingdom
Updated March 20267 cities100 total rulesFines up to £2,500
Edinburgh will become the UK's first city to charge a tourist tax when its 5% Visitor Levy launches on July 24, 2026. Unlike most European countries, jaywalking is legal in the UK. Scotland has unique alcohol laws — shops cannot sell alcohol between 10 PM and 10 AM. Cannabis is illegal. Glasgow plans to follow Edinburgh with its own levy in January 2027.
City Guides
Bath
United Kingdom
Cambridge
United Kingdom
Edinburgh
United Kingdom
Glasgow
United Kingdom
Liverpool
United Kingdom
London
United Kingdom
Oxford
United Kingdom
Rules That Apply Everywhere in United Kingdom
Jaywalking: legal (unlike most of Europe)
Alcohol shop sales: banned 10 PM–10 AM in Scotland
Cannabis: illegal
Minimum unit pricing on alcohol in Scotland
Edinburgh Visitor Levy: 5% from July 2026
City Comparison
| City | Rules | Max Fine | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bath | 14 | £1,000 | UNESCO World Heritage Site — Don't Damage Buildings |
| Cambridge | 14 | £200 | Public Drinking — PSPO Zones |
| Edinburgh | 14 | £200 | Smoking Ban £200 |
| Glasgow | 14 | £2,500 | Football Match Day Restrictions |
| Liverpool | 14 | £200 | Smoking Ban — £200 Fine |
| London | 16 | £200 | Smoking Ban — All Enclosed Public Spaces |
| Oxford | 14 | £2,500 | Punting Rules on the River Cherwell |
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Edinburgh's tourist tax start?
The 5% Visitor Levy launches on July 24, 2026. It applies to all paid accommodation and is charged on top of your room rate.
Can I buy alcohol late at night in Edinburgh?
No. Scottish law prohibits alcohol sales between 10 PM and 10 AM. Stock up before 10 PM if you want drinks at your accommodation.
Is jaywalking illegal in the UK?
No! Unlike most European countries, jaywalking is perfectly legal in the UK. Cross wherever you like, but still watch for traffic.