Entry to Licensed Premises by Constable

Licensing Act 2003, s.97

Warrant: No
Force: No
Notice: No

A constable may enter and inspect any premises in respect of which a premises licence or temporary event notice has effect, at any reasonable time, for the purpose of checking compliance with the Licensing Act 2003 and any conditions attached to the licence. The constable may also enter club premises holding a club premises certificate.

Conditions

The premises must be the subject of a premises licence, club premises certificate, or temporary event notice
Entry must be at a reasonable time
The purpose must be to check compliance with the Act or licence conditions

Limitations

Does not authorise entry to parts of premises used exclusively as a dwelling
A warrant from a justice of the peace is required to enter by force or to enter dwelling parts
The power is for licensing compliance only: it does not authorise searches for evidence of other offences

Last updated 24 September 2026