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 “crack house closure order”
Established by Part 1 of the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003, the crack house closure order is used by police to close any premises (business or residential), where the unlawful use, production or supply of Class A drugs is taking place and causing disorder or serious nuisance to the local community. The initial notice closes the premises for 48 hours and within this time the police must make an application to the magistrates’ court to issue a closure order for three months. The test is that there is a reasonable belief that the premises is being used for the unlawful use, production or supply of Class A drugs, and is associated with disorder or serious nuisance. The closure order can be extended to a maximum of six months.
It is an offence for any person including the owner, tenant or licensee landlord of the premises to obstruct the police or breach the order by remaining in the property or entering the property. Breach of the order can result in up to six months imprisonment, a fine of up to £5,000, or both.