The Beef and Veal Labelling Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2009

Powers of entry

7.—(1) An authorised officer may, on producing a duly authenticated authorisation if required, enter any premises at any reasonable hour for the purpose of ascertaining whether—

(a) there is or has been on the premises any contravention of these Regulations; or

(b) there is on the premises any evidence of any contravention of these Regulations.

(2) The officer may be accompanied by such other persons as the officer considers necessary.

(3) If a justice of the peace, on sworn information in writing, is satisfied that there is reasonable ground for entry into any premises (excluding premises used only as a dwelling) for any purpose mentioned in paragraph (1) and that either—

(a) admission to the premises has been refused, or a refusal is anticipated, and that notice of the intention to apply for a warrant has been given to the occupier; or

(b) an application for admission, or the giving of such notice, would defeat the object of the entry, or that the case is one of urgency, or that the premises are unoccupied or the occupier temporarily absent,

the justice may, by signed warrant, authorise an authorised officer to enter the premises, if need be by reasonable force.

(4) A warrant granted under this regulation shall continue in force for a period of one month.

(5) An officer who enters any unoccupied premises must leave them as effectively secured against unauthorised entry as they were before he entered them.