186Proceedings for offencesE+W
(1)In this section “offence” means an offence under this Act.
(2)Proceedings for an offence may be instituted—
(a)[F1except in the case of an offence under section 147A,]by a licensing authority,
(b)by the Director of Public Prosecutions, or
(c)in the case of an offence under section 146 [F2, 147 or 147A](sale of alcohol to children), by a local weights and measures authority (within the meaning of section 69 of the Weights and Measures Act 1985 (c. 72)).
(3)In relation to any offence, section 127(1) of the Magistrates' Courts Act 1980 (information to be laid within six months of offence) is to have effect as if for the reference to six months there were substituted a reference to 12 months.
Textual Amendments
F1Words in s. 186(2)(a) inserted (6.4.2007) by Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 (c. 38), ss. 23(2)(a), 66(2)(3); S.I. 2007/858, art. 2(a)
F2Words in s. 186(2)(c) substituted (6.4.2007) by Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 (c. 38), ss. 23(2)(b), 66(2)(3); S.I. 2007/858, art. 2(a)