Powers of entryN.I.
12.—(1) An inspector shall, on producing, if so required, some duly authenticated document showing his authority, have a right at all reasonable hours to enter any premises for the purpose of ensuring that the provisions of these Regulations are being complied with.
[F1(2) An inspector may be accompanied by such other persons the inspector considers necessary.]
(3) Admission to any premises used only as a private dwelling house shall not be demanded as of right unless 24 hours notice of the intended entry has been given to the occupier, or the entry is in accordance with a warrant granted under this regulation.
(4) If a justice of the peace, on sworn information in writing, is satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for entry into any premises for the purposes of the enforcement of these Regulations, and either—
(a)admission has been refused, or a refusal is expected, and (in either case) that notice of intention to apply for a warrant has been given to the occupier;
(b)asking for admission, or the giving of such a notice, would defeat the object of the entry;
(c)the case is one of urgency; or
(d)the premises are unoccupied or the occupier is temporarily absent,
the justice may by warrant signed by him authorise the inspector to enter the premises, if need be by reasonable force and to take with him such persons as appears to be necessary.
(5) A warrant under this section shall continue in force for one month.
(6) If an inspector enters any unoccupied premises he shall leave them as effectively secured against unauthorised entry as he found them.
Textual Amendments
F1Reg. 12(2) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Seed Marketing and Fertilisers (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 (S.R. 2020/319), regs. 1, 5
Commencement Information