Closure Notices and Orders for Premises

Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, s.76

Warrant: No
Force: No
Notice: Yes

A police officer of at least inspector rank, or the local authority, may issue a closure notice in respect of premises associated with nuisance, disorder, or criminal behaviour. The notice prohibits access to the premises for up to 48 hours. The police or local authority must then apply to the magistrates' court within 48 hours for a closure order, which may close the premises for up to 3 months (extendable to 6 months).

Updated 16 October 2026: from 26 October 2026 the maximum period of a closure notice under s.77(1) rises from 24 to 48 hours and the extended maximum under s.77(2) and (3) from 48 to 72 hours, and a registered social housing provider may issue a closure notice for premises it owns or manages (Crime and Policing Act 2026, s.3(3) and Schedule 2, commenced by SI 2026/960, reg 4).

Conditions

The issuing officer must be of at least inspector rank (or be the local authority)
There must be reasonable grounds to believe the premises are associated with nuisance or disorder
The closure notice must be served on the owner, occupier, and any other appropriate person
An application to the magistrates' court must be made within 48 hours of the notice being issued

Limitations

Breach of a closure notice or order is a criminal offence carrying up to 3 months imprisonment
The court must be satisfied that the closure is necessary to prevent nuisance or disorder
Residential premises may be subject to different considerations: the court must consider the impact on occupiers

Last updated 16 October 2026. Reviewed 16 October 2026