Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982

Powers of constables and local authority officers

24 If a constable has reasonable cause to suspect that a person has committed an offence under paragraph 20 or 23 above, he may require him to give his name and address, and if that person refuses or fails to do so, or gives a name or address which the constable reasonably suspects to be false, the constable may arrest him without warrant.

25 (1) A constable may, at any reasonable time, enter and inspect any sex establishment in respect of which a licence under this Schedule is for the time being in force, with a view to seeing—

(i) whether the terms, conditions or restrictions on or subject to which the licence is held are complied with ;

(ii) whether any person employed in the business of the establishment is disqualified from holding a licence under this Schedule ;

(iii) whether any person under 18 years of age is in the establishment; and

(iv) whether any person under that age is employed in the business of the establishment.

(2) Subject to sub-paragraph (4) below, a constable may enter and inspect a sex establishment if he has reason to suspect that an offence under paragraph 20, 21 or 23 above has been, is being, or is about to be committed in relation to it.

(3) An authorised officer of a local authority may exercise the powers conferred by sub-paragraphs (1) and (2) above in relation to a sex establishment in the local authority's area.

(4) No power conferred by sub-paragraph (2) above may be exercised by a constable or an authorised officer of a local authority unless he has been authorised to exercise it by a warrant granted by a justice of the peace.

(5) Where an authorised officer of a local authority exercises any such power, he shall produce his authority if required to do so by the occupier of the premises or the person in charge of the vehicle, vessel or stall in relation to which the power is exercised.

(6) Any person who without reasonable excuse refuses to permit a constable or an authorised officer of a local authority to exercise any such power shall be guilty of an offence and shall for every such refusal be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding £1,000.