Enforcement
85Enforcement of closure orders
(1)An authorised person may—
(a)enter premises in respect of which a closure order is in force;
(b)do anything necessary to secure the premises against entry.
(2)In this section “authorised person”—
(a)in relation to a closure order made on the application of a constable, means a constable or a person authorised by the chief officer of police for the area in which the premises are situated;
(b)in relation to a closure order made on the application of a local authority, means a person authorised by that authority.
(3)A person acting under subsection (1) may use reasonable force.
(4)A person seeking to enter premises under subsection (1) must, if required to do so by or on behalf of the owner, occupier or other person in charge of the premises, produce evidence of his or her identity and authority before entering the premises.
(5)An authorised person may also enter premises in respect of which a closure order is in force to carry out essential maintenance or repairs to the premises.
86Offences
(1)A person who without reasonable excuse remains on or enters premises in contravention of a closure notice (including a notice continued in force under section 81) commits an offence.
(2)A person who without reasonable excuse remains on or enters premises in contravention of a closure order commits an offence.
(3)A person who without reasonable excuse obstructs a person acting under section 79 or 85(1) commits an offence.
(4)A person guilty of an offence under subsection (1) or (3) is liable on summary conviction—
(a)to imprisonment for a period not exceeding 3 months, or
(b)to a fine,
or to both.
(5)A person guilty of an offence under subsection (2) is liable on summary conviction—
(a)to imprisonment for a period not exceeding 51 weeks, or
(b)to a fine,
or to both.
(6)In relation to an offence committed before the commencement of section 281(5) of the Criminal Justice Act 2003, the reference in subsection (5)(a) to 51 weeks is to be read as a reference to 6 months.