Antisocial behaviour in pubs, clubs and other licensed premises
If there are problems with noise, loutish behaviour, or underage drinking in a particular pub or club, then a senior police officer can make a "closure order". A closure orders stays in place initially for a maximum of 24 hours with a possible extension of a further 24 hours if certain conditions are met.
To get a closure order imposed, you must contact the police.
The Law
The Licensing Act 2003 allows the closure of pubs and clubs at short notice. The measures include:-
* The power to close all licensed premises within a specific area for up to 24 hours where disorder is occurring or is anticipated.
* The power for a senior police office to make a closure order on any licensed premises if he/she reasonably believes that there is or is likely to be disorder in or around the premises and the closure is necessary to protect public safety.
* The power for a senior police officer to make a closure if he/she believes that a public nuisance is being caused by noise coming from the premises and closure is necessary to prevent that nuisance.
Alcohol and young people
Young people under the age of eighteen are not allowed to consume alcohol in a public place and the police and community support officers have powers to confiscate alcohol from young people who are drinking or intend to drink alcohol. If the person refuses to cooperate, this is an offence, and if they refuse to hand over their alcohol they can be prosecuted or the officer can issue a "penalty notice for disorder" for £50. You should call the police to report this kind of antisocial behaviour.
The Law
Police officers and police community support officers (PCSOs) have the power to confiscate alcohol from young persons under the age of 18. Section 12 (2) (b) of the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001 gives the police and PCSOs the power to confiscate alcohol from people who are consuming or intend to consume alcohol in a public place.
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