Commentary on Sections Part 1: Premises Where Drugs Used Unlawfully Section 4: Closure of premises: offences
17.This section creates offences of remaining in or entering property subject to a closure notice or order without reasonable excuse or of obstructing a constable or authorised person carrying out certain functions under these provisions. The maximum penalty is a fine of £5000, imprisonment for 6 months or both. There is a power of arrest for a constable in uniform in relation to these offences. The maximum period of imprisonment will, in due course, be increased to 51 weeks by provisions in the Criminal Justice Act 2003.