Unannounced Visit from Police or Enforcement Officers? Here’s What to Do

Under Section 179 of the Licensing Act 2003, both Police Officers and authorised persons under Section 13 of the Licensing Act (such as licensing officers, environmental health officers, fire officers, and immigration officers) have the legal right to enter licensed premises without a warrant to check for compliance with licensing laws.

What You Should Do?

• Stay Calm and Professional
• Greet the officers respectfully.
• Avoid confrontation or obstruction.
• Allow Entry Promptly

You must not refuse entry to authorised officers acting within their legal powers as it is a criminal offence to obstruct an authorised officer exercising their power of entry.

Entry can be at any reasonable time, and in some cases, officers may use reasonable force if necessary.  Politely ask for Identification and make a note of their identities in your Incident Book.  NB. It IS appropriate to ask officers to show ID or explain their purpose, as this helps confirm they are acting in an official capacity.

Further Actions:

1. Cooperate Fully and Do Not Obstruct them.
2. Provide access to relevant areas, documents, and staff.
3. Answer questions truthfully and provide requested information.
4. Note the names of the officers, time of arrival, and reason for the visit.
5. Log the purpose of the visit, its findings and any advice received.
6. Record any actions taken, further activity requested and documents inspected.
7. If any concerns or actions are raised, follow up promptly.
8. Seek legal or licensing advice if you’re unsure about any aspect of the visit.
9. Retain CCTV footage of the inspection if you are unhappy with any aspect of the conduct of the visit.

Important Notes

Authorities do not need to give advance notice if the visit is part of a compliance check, investigation, or enforcement action.  If your premises are open to the public, officers have the same right to enter as any customer, even without invoking statutory powers.

Advisories:  Being prepared for unannounced visits is part of responsible licence management. Cooperation and transparency not only ensure compliance but also build trust with enforcement bodies.