Chapter 2 E+W+N.I. Provisions for combatting alcohol-related disorder
Alcohol consumption in designated public placesE+W
F112 Alcohol consumption in designated public placesE+W
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Textual Amendments
F1Ss. 12-16 repealed (20.10.2014) by Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 (c. 12), s. 185(1), Sch. 11 para. 30 (with ss. 21, 33, 42, 58, 75, 93); S.I. 2014/2590, art. 3(g)(v)
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C1S. 12 extended (2.12.2002) by Police Reform Act 2002 (c. 30), s. 38, Sch. 4 para. 5; S.I. 2002/2750, art. 2
S. 12 extended (with modifications) (2.12.2002) by Police Reform Act 2002 (c. 30), s. 41, 108, Sch. 5 para. 4; S.I. 2002/2750, art. 2
F113 Designated public placesE+W
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Textual Amendments
F1Ss. 12-16 repealed (20.10.2014) by Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 (c. 12), s. 185(1), Sch. 11 para. 30 (with ss. 21, 33, 42, 58, 75, 93); S.I. 2014/2590, art. 3(g)(v)
Commencement Information
I1S. 13 wholly in force at 1.9.2001; s. 13 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 138; s. 13 in force for certain purposes at 19.6.2001 by S.I. 2001/2223, art. 2(2)(b); s. 13 in force at 1.9.2001 by S.I. 2001/2223, art. 4(a)
F114 Places which are not designated public placesE+W
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Textual Amendments
F1Ss. 12-16 repealed (20.10.2014) by Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 (c. 12), s. 185(1), Sch. 11 para. 30 (with ss. 21, 33, 42, 58, 75, 93); S.I. 2014/2590, art. 3(g)(v)
F115 Effect of sections 12 to 14 on byelawsE+W
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Textual Amendments
F1Ss. 12-16 repealed (20.10.2014) by Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 (c. 12), s. 185(1), Sch. 11 para. 30 (with ss. 21, 33, 42, 58, 75, 93); S.I. 2014/2590, art. 3(g)(v)
F116 Interpretation of sections 12 to 15E+W
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Textual Amendments
F1Ss. 12-16 repealed (20.10.2014) by Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 (c. 12), s. 185(1), Sch. 11 para. 30 (with ss. 21, 33, 42, 58, 75, 93); S.I. 2014/2590, art. 3(g)(v)
Closure of certain licensed premisesE+W
17 Closure of certain licensed premises due to disorder or disturbanceE+W
F2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Textual Amendments
18 Amendments consequential on section 17E+W
F3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Textual Amendments
Closure of unlicensed premisesE+W
19 Closure noticesE+W
(1)Where a constable is satisfied that any premises are being, or within the last 24 hours have been, used for the [F4unauthorised sale of alcohol] for consumption on, or in the vicinity of, the premises, he may serve under subsection (3) a notice in respect of the premises.
(2)Where a local authority is satisfied that any premises in the area of the authority are being, or within the last 24 hours have been, used for the [F4unauthorised sale of alcohol] for consumption on, or in the vicinity of, the premises, the authority may serve under subsection (3) a notice in respect of the premises.
(3)A notice under subsection (1) or (2) (“a closure notice”) shall be served by the constable or local authority concerned on a person having control of, or responsibility for, the activities carried on at the premises.
(4)A closure notice shall also be served by the constable or local authority concerned on any person occupying another part of any building or other structure of which the premises form part if the constable or (as the case may be) the local authority concerned reasonably believes, at the time of serving notice under subsection (3), that the person’s access to the other part of the building or other structure would be impeded if an order under section 21 providing for the closure of the premises were made.
(5)A closure notice may also be served by a constable or the local authority concerned on—
(a)any other person having control of, or responsibility for, the activities carried on at the premises;
(b)any person who has an interest in the premises.
(6)A closure notice shall—
(a)specify the alleged use of the premises and the grounds on which the constable or (as the case may be) the local authority concerned is satisfied as mentioned in subsection (1) or (as the case may be) subsection (2);
(b)state the effect of section 20; and
(c)specify the steps which may be taken to ensure that the alleged use of the premises ceases or (as the case may be) does not recur.
(7)A closure notice served by a constable or local authority may be cancelled by a notice of cancellation served by a constable or (as the case may be) the local authority concerned.
(8)Any such notice of cancellation shall have effect as soon as it is served by a constable or (as the case may be) the authority concerned on at least one person on whom the closure notice was served.
(9)The constable or (as the case may be) the local authority concerned shall also serve the notice of cancellation on any other person on whom the closure notice was served.
(10)For the purposes of subsections (3) and (5) a person having control of, or responsibility for, the activities carried on at the premises includes a person who—
(a)derives or seeks to derive profit from the carrying on of the activities;
(b)manages the activities;
(c)employs any person to manage the activities; or
(d)is involved in the conduct of the activities.
Textual Amendments
F4Words in s. 19(1)(2) substituted (24.11.2005) by Licensing Act 2003 (c. 17), ss. 198, 201, Sch. 6 para. 126(a) (with ss. 2(3), 15(2), 195); S.I. 2005/3056, art. 2(2)
20 Applications for closure ordersE+W
(1)Where a closure notice has been served under section 19(3), a constable or (as the case may be) the local authority concerned may make a complaint to a justice of the peace F5. . . for an order under section 21 (a “closure order”).
(2)A complaint under subsection (1) shall be made not less than seven days, and not more than six months, after the service of the closure notice under section 19(3).
(3)No complaint shall be made under subsection (1) if the constable or (as the case may be) the local authority is satisfied that—
(a)the use of the premises for the [F6unauthorised sale of alcohol] for consumption on, or in the vicinity of, the premises has ceased; and
(b)there is no reasonable likelihood that the premises will be so used in the future.
(4)Where a complaint has been made to a justice of the peace under subsection (1), the justice may issue a summons to answer to the complaint.
(5)The summons shall be directed to—
(a)the person on whom the closure notice was served under section 19(3); and
(b)any other person on whom the closure notice was served under section 19(5)(a).
(6)Where a summons is served in accordance with subsections (4) and (5), a notice stating the date, time and place at which the complaint will be heard shall be served on all persons on whom the closure notice was served under section 19(4) and (5)(b).
(7)The procedure on a complaint for a closure order shall (except as otherwise provided) be in accordance with the Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980 (c. 43).
Textual Amendments
F5Words in s. 20(1) omitted (1.4.2005) by virtue of The Courts Act 2003 (Consequential Provisions) Order 2005 (S.I. 2005/886), art. 2, Sch. para. 88
F6Words in s. 20(3)(a) substituted (24.11.2005) by Licensing Act 2003 (c. 17), ss. 198, 201, Sch. 6 para. 126(b) (with ss. 2(3), 15(2), 195); S.I. 2005/3056, art. 2(2)
21 Closure ordersE+W
(1)On hearing a complaint made under section 20(1), the court may make such order as it considers appropriate if it is satisfied that—
(a)the closure notice was served under section 19(3); and
(b)the premises continue to be used for the [F7unauthorised sale of alcohol] for consumption on, or in the vicinity of, the premises or there is a reasonable likelihood that the premises will be so used in the future.
(2)An order under this section may, in particular, require—
(a)the premises in respect of which the closure notice was served to be closed immediately to the public and to remain closed until a constable or (as the case may be) the local authority concerned makes a certificate under section 22(1);
(b)the use of the premises for the [F8unauthorised sale of alcohol] for consumption on, or in the vicinity of, the premises to be discontinued immediately;
(c)any defendant to pay into court such sum as the court determines and that the sum will not be released by the court to that person until the other requirements of the order are met.
(3)An order of the kind mentioned in subsection (2)(a) may, in particular, include such conditions as the court considers appropriate relating to—
(a)the admission of persons onto the premises;
(b)the access by persons to another part of any building or other structure of which the premises form part.
(4)The complainant shall, as soon as practicable after the making of an order under this section, give notice of the order by fixing a copy of it in a conspicuous position on the premises in respect of which it was made.
(5)A sum which has been ordered to be paid into court under this section shall be paid to the [F9designated officer] for the court.
Textual Amendments
F7Words in s. 21(1)(b) substituted (24.11.2005) by Licensing Act 2003 (c. 17), ss. 198, 201, Sch. 6 para. 126(c) (with ss. 2(3), 15(2), 195); S.I. 2005/3056, art. 2(2)
F8Words in s. 21(2)(b) substituted (24.11.2005) by Licensing Act 2003 (c. 17), ss. 198, 201, Sch. 6 para. 126(c) (with ss. 2(3), 15(2), 195); S.I. 2005/3056, art. 2(2)
F9Words in s. 21(5) substituted (1.4.2005) by Courts Act 2003 (c. 39), ss. 109(1), 110, Sch. 8 para. 401; S.I. 2005/910, art. 3
22 Termination of closure orders by constable or local authorityE+W
(1)Where a closure order has been made, a constable or (as the case may be) the local authority concerned may make a certificate to the effect that the constable or (as the case may be) the authority is satisfied that the need for the order has ceased.
(2)Where such a certificate has been made, the closure order shall cease to have effect.
(3)Where a closure order containing provision of the kind mentioned in section 21(2)(c) ceases to have effect by virtue of the making of a certificate under subsection (1), any sum paid into court by a defendant under the order shall be released by the court.
(4)Subject to this, a closure order may include such provision as the court considers appropriate for dealing with any consequences which would arise if the order were to cease to have effect by virtue of the making of a certificate under subsection (1).
(5)The constable or (as the case may be) the local authority concerned shall, as soon as practicable after the making of a certificate under subsection (1)—
(a)serve a copy of it on the person against whom the closure order has been made and the [F10designated officer] for the court which made the order; and
(b)fix a copy of it in a conspicuous position on the premises in respect of which the order was made.
(6)The constable or (as the case may be) the local authority concerned shall also serve a copy of the certificate on any person who requests such a copy.
Textual Amendments
F10Words in s. 22(5)(a) substituted (1.4.2005) by Courts Act 2003 (c. 39), ss. 109(1), 110, Sch. 8 para. 402; S.I. 2005/910, art. 3
23 Discharge of closure orders by the courtE+W
(1)Where a closure order has been made—
(a)any person on whom the closure notice concerned was served under section 19; or
(b)any person who has an interest in the premises in respect of which the closure order was made but on whom no closure notice was served,
may make a complaint to a justice of the peace F11. . . for an order that the closure order be discharged.
(2)The court may not make an order under subsection (1) unless it is satisfied that the need for the closure order has ceased.
(3)Where a complaint has been made to a justice of the peace under subsection (1), the justice may issue a summons directed to such constable as he considers appropriate or (as the case may be) the local authority concerned requiring that person to appear before the magistrates’ court to answer to the complaint.
(4)Where a summons is served in accordance with subsection (3), a notice stating the date, time and place at which the complaint will be heard shall be served on all persons on whom the closure notice concerned was served under section 19 (other than the complainant).
(5)The procedure on a complaint for an order under this section shall (except as otherwise provided) be in accordance with the Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980 (c. 43).
Textual Amendments
F11Words in s. 23(1) omitted (1.4.2005) by virtue of The Courts Act 2003 (Consequential Provisions) Order 2005 (S.I. 2005/886), art. 2, Sch. para. 88
24 AppealsE+W
(1)An appeal against a closure order, an order under section 23(1) or a decision not to make an order under section 23(1) may be brought to the Crown Court at any time before the end of the period of 21 days beginning with the day on which the order or (as the case may be) the decision was made.
(2)An appeal under this section against a closure order may be brought by—
(a)any person on whom the closure notice concerned was served under section 19; or
(b)any person who has an interest in the premises in respect of which the closure order was made but on whom no closure notice was so served.
(3)On an appeal under this section the Crown Court may make such order as it considers appropriate.
25 Enforcement of closure ordersE+W
(1)Where a closure order has been made, a constable or an authorised person may (if necessary using reasonable force)—
(a)at any reasonable time enter the premises concerned; and
(b)having so entered the premises, do anything reasonably necessary for the purpose of securing compliance with the order.
(2)A constable or an authorised person seeking to enter any premises in exercise of his powers under subsection (1) shall, if required by or on behalf of the owner or occupier or person in charge of the premises, produce evidence of his identity, and of his authority, before entering the premises.
(3)Any person who intentionally obstructs a constable or an authorised person in the exercise of his powers under this section shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on summary conviction—
(a)where the offence was committed in respect of a constable, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one month or to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale or to both;
(b)where the offence was committed in respect of an authorised person, to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.
(4)A person who, without reasonable excuse, permits premises to be open in contravention of a closure order shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months or to [F12a fine] or to both.
(5)A person who, without reasonable excuse, otherwise fails to comply with, or does an act in contravention of, a closure order shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months or to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale or to both.
(6)In this section “an authorised person” means a person authorised for the purposes of this section by a local authority in respect of premises situated in the area of the authority.
Textual Amendments
F12Words in s. 25(4) substituted (12.3.2015) by The Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (Fines on Summary Conviction) Regulations 2015 (S.I. 2015/664), reg. 1(1), Sch. 4 para. 31 (with reg. 5(1))
26 Offences by body corporateE+W
(1)Where an offence under section 25 committed by a body corporate is proved to have been committed with the consent or connivance of, or to be attributable to any neglect on the part of, a director, manager, secretary or other similar officer of the body corporate, he as well as the body corporate commits the offence and shall be liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly.
(2)Where the affairs of a body corporate are managed by its members, subsection (1) applies in relation to the acts and defaults of a member in connection with his functions of management as if he were a director of the body corporate.
27 Service of noticesE+W
(1)Any document required or authorised by virtue of sections 19 to 26 to be served on any person may be [F13served in accordance with Criminal Procedure Rules.]
[F14(1A)For the purposes of subsection (1)—
(a)Criminal Procedure Rules (as they have effect from time to time) apply to the document to be served as if it were a document to be served in criminal proceedings before a magistrates’ court, and
(b)any magistrates’ court may discharge functions conferred on a court by those Rules in relation to such service.]
F15(2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F15(3). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F15(4). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F15(5). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F15(6). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F15(7). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F15(8). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Textual Amendments
F13Words in s. 27(1) substituted (28.6.2022) by Judicial Review and Courts Act 2022 (c. 35), s. 51(3), Sch. 1 para. 14(a)
F14S. 27(1A) inserted (28.6.2022) by Judicial Review and Courts Act 2022 (c. 35), s. 51(3), Sch. 1 para. 14(b)
F15S. 27(2)-(8) omitted (28.6.2022) by virtue of Judicial Review and Courts Act 2022 (c. 35), s. 51(3), Sch. 1 para. 14(c)
28 Sections 19 to 27: interpretationE+W
(1)In sections 19 to 27 and this section—
[F16“alcohol” has the same meaning as in the Licensing Act 2003;]
“closure notice” means a notice under section 19(1) or (2);
“closure order” means an order under section 21;
F17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
“notice” means notice in writing;
“premises” includes any land or other place (whether enclosed or otherwise);
“sale” includes exposure for sale; and
[F18“unauthorised sale”, in relation to any alcohol, means any supply of the alcohol (within the meaning of section 14 of the Licensing Act 2003) which—
(a)is a licensable activity within the meaning of that Act, but
(b)is made otherwise than under and in accordance with an authorisation (within the meaning of section 136 of that Act).]
(2)In sections 19 to 27 “local authority” means—
(a)in relation to England—
(i)a county council;
(ii)a district council;
(iii)a London borough council;
(iv)the Common Council of the City of London in its capacity as a local authority;
(v)the Council of the Isles of Scilly;
(b)in relation to Wales, a county council or a county borough council.
(3)References in sections 19 to 27 to a person who has an interest in the premises are references to any person who is the owner, leaseholder or occupier of the premises.
Textual Amendments
F16S. 28: definition of "alcohol" inserted (24.11.2005) by Licensing Act 2003 (c. 17), ss. 198, 201, Sch. 6 para. 127(a) (with ss. 2(3), 15(2), 195); S.I. 2005/3056, art. 2(2)
F17S. 28: definition of "intoxicating liquor" repealed (24.11.2005) by Licensing Act 2003 (c. 17), ss. 198, 199, 201, Sch. 6 para. 127(b), Sch. 7 (with ss. 2(3), 15(2), 195); S.I. 2005/3056, art. 2(2)
F18S. 28: definition of "unlicensed sale" substituted (24.11.2005) by Licensing Act 2003 (c. 17), ss. 198, 201, Sch. 6 para. 127(c) (with ss. 2(3), 15(2), 195); S.I. 2005/3056, art. 2(2)
Other provisions for combatting alcohol-related disorderE+W+N.I.
29 Confiscation of alcohol containers from young personsE+W+N.I.
In section 1(1) of the Confiscation of Alcohol (Young Persons) Act 1997 (c. 33) (things to be surrendered to a constable) after “intoxicating liquor”, where it appears for the third time, there shall be inserted “ or a container for such liquor (other than a sealed container) ”.
30 Sale of intoxicating liquor to a person under eighteenE+W
F19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Textual Amendments
31 Enforcement of certain offences relating to under-age drinkingE+W
F20. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Textual Amendments
32 Drunkenness or disorder on licensed premisesE+W
F21. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .