The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) (No. 3) Regulations 2020

Directions relating to events

5.—(1) Subject to regulation 2, a local authority may give a direction imposing prohibitions, requirements or restrictions in relation to the holding of an event in its area.

(2) A direction under paragraph (1) may be given in relation to—

(a) a specified event, or

(b) events of a specified description.

(3) A direction under paragraph (1) may only have the effect of imposing prohibitions, requirements or restrictions on—

(a) the owner or any occupier of premises for an event to which the direction relates,

(b) the organiser of such an event, and

(c) any other person involved in holding such an event.

(4) A direction under paragraph (1) may, among other things, impose requirements about informing persons who may be planning to attend an event of any prohibitions, requirements or restrictions imposed in relation to the holding of it.

(5) For the purposes of paragraph (2), events may be described—

(a) by reference to a number of people attending the event,

(b) by reference to a requirement for medical or emergency services to attend the event, or

(c) in any other way.

(6) The reference in paragraph (3)(c) to a person involved in the holding of an event does not include a person whose only involvement in the event is, or would be, by attendance at the event.

(7) A direction under paragraph (1) imposing a prohibition, requirement or restriction must—

(a) state the date and time on which the prohibition, requirement or restriction comes into effect, and the date and time on which it will end, and

(b) give details of the right of appeal to a magistrates’ court, and the time within which such an appeal may be brought.

(8) Where a local authority gives a direction under paragraph (1) it must take reasonable steps to give advance notice of the direction to —

(a) the organiser of the event, and

(b) if different, any person who owns or occupies the premises for the event.

(9) A person on whom a direction under paragraph (1) imposes a prohibition, requirement or restriction may—

(a) appeal against the direction to a magistrates’ court by way of complaint for an order and the Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980 applies to the proceedings, and

(b) make representations to the Secretary of State about the direction.

(10) On an appeal against a direction under paragraph (1) in a case where the direction was made pursuant to a direction of the Secretary of State under regulation 3, a summons is to be issued to both the Secretary of State and the local authority.