The Public Order (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) Order 1997

Advance notice of public processions

3.—(1) In Article 3 of the [1987 NI 7.] Public Order (Northern Ireland) Order 1987 for paragraphs (1) to (3) (which require 7 days' notice to be given of a public procession and provide for the form of, and details to be included in, any such notice) there shall be substituted the following paragraphs—

“(1) A person proposing to organise a public procession shall give notice of that proposal in accordance with paragraphs (1 A) to (3) to a member of the Royal Ulster Constabulary not below the rank of sergeant by leaving the notice with him at the police station nearest to the proposed starting place of that procession.

(1A) Notice under paragraph (1) shall be given—

(a) not less than 21 days before the date on which the procession is to be held; or

(b) if that is not reasonably practicable, as soon as it is reasonably practicable to give such notice.

(2) Notice under paragraph (1) shall—

(a) be given in writing in such form as may be prescribed by regulations made by the Secretary of State; and

(b) be signed by the person giving the notice.

(3) Notice given under paragraph (1) shall specify—

(a) the date and time when the procession is to be held;

(b) its route;

(c) the number of persons likely to take part in it;

(d) the names of any bands which are to take part in it;

(e) the arrangements for its control being made by the person proposing to organise it;

(f) the name and address of that person; and

(g) where the notice is given as mentioned in sub-paragraph (b) of paragraph (1A), the reason why it was not reasonably practicable to give notice in accordance with sub-paragraph (a) of that paragraph.”.

(2) In Article 3(9) of the [1987 NI 7.] Public Order (Northern Ireland) Order 1987 (orders under Article 3 to be subject to annulment) for the words from the beginning to “paragraph (4)” there shall be substituted the words “Regulations and orders made under this Article”.

(3) Nothing in this Article applies in relation to any public procession to be held on or before the twenty-first day after the day on which this Article comes into operation.