The Sea Fishing (Enforcement of Annual Community and Third Country Fishing Measures) (England) Order 2006

Warrants to enter premises

14.—(1) If a justice of the peace on sworn information in writing is satisfied that the circumstances in paragraph (2) apply, he may issue a warrant authorising a British sea-fishery officer to enter any premises, if necessary using reasonable force, and to take with him such persons as appear to be necessary.

(2) The circumstances are that—

(a) there are reasonable grounds to believe that any documents or other items which a British sea-fishery officer has power under article 13 to inspect are on the premises;

(b) the inspection of such documents or other items is likely to disclose evidence of the commission of an offence under this Order or an equivalent provision; and

(c) either—

(i) entry to the premises has been or is likely to be refused and notice of intention to apply for a warrant has been given to the occupier,

(ii) an application for entry, or the giving of notice, would defeat the object of the entry,

(iii) the premises are unoccupied, or

(iv) the occupier is temporarily absent and it might defeat the object of the entry to await his return.