Part 9Miscellaneous and general
Miscellaneous
138Police powers of entry
1
A constable may at any time enter and inspect any licensed premises.
2
A constable may—
a
if the condition in subsection (3) is satisfied, and
b
subject to subsection (4),
at any time enter and inspect any premises (other than licensed premises) on which food or drink is sold for consumption on the premises.
3
The condition referred to in subsection (2)(a) is that the constable has reasonable grounds for believing that alcohol is being sold on the premises in breach of section 1(1).
4
A constable below the rank of inspector may exercise the power conferred by subsection (2) only—
a
if the constable has obtained written authority to do so from a justice of the peace or a constable of or above the rank of inspector,
b
within the period of 8 days beginning with the date on which such authority is obtained, and
c
at such time or times as is specified in the authority.
5
A person who intentionally obstructs a constable exercising a power conferred by this section commits an offence.
6
A person guilty of an offence under subsection (5) is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.