Entry to Licensed Premises to Check Age

Licensing Act 2003, s.180

Warrant: No
Force: No
Notice: No

A constable or authorised officer may enter licensed premises at any time to assess compliance with the Licensing Act 2003, including to check whether persons under the age of 18 are being served alcohol. Entry is without warrant as licensed premises carry an implied consent to inspection.

Conditions

Premises must be licensed under the Licensing Act 2003
Entry is during or before the permitted hours when alcohol can be sold
The constable or officer acts within the scope of their licensing functions

Limitations

Power is for compliance inspection, not general policing
Cannot search premises beyond what is necessary for the licensing purpose

Last updated 24 September 2026