ANNEX B: Summary of Powers to Tackle Anti-Social Behaviour to Be Replaced by the Provisions in Parts 1 to 4 of the Act The section 161 closure order
Established by sections 161 to 170 of the Licensing Act 2003, this extends the existing powers of the police to instantly close, for up to 24 hours, licensed premises that are associated with disorder or causing noise nuisance, or to apply to the magistrates’ court to close all licensed premises within a geographical area in anticipation of disorder.
A closure order requires the premises to be kept closed for a specified period not exceeding 24 hours.
It is a criminal offence to allow the premises to open when a closure order is in place. The offence is punishable on summary conviction by a maximum fine of £20,000 and/or a maximum prison sentence of three months.