Commentary on Sections Section 17: Powers of inspection, etc.
72.This section confers powers on authorised officers entering premises under sections 13, 14 and 15 to do various things so as to find out whether an offence under section 2 has been committed. Officers may carry out inspections and examinations of premises. Officers may also request items, inspect them, take samples from them and/or take the item(s) and/or samples from the premises. For example, officers may wish to review CCTV footage of the premises, retain alcoholic products or take samples or extracts of these, or likewise take documents or copies of documents. The authorised officer may analyse any samples taken.
73.The officer may also require information and help from any person, but that person is not required to answer any questions or produce any document which they would be entitled to refuse to answer or produce in the course of court proceedings in England and Wales.
74.The authorised officer must leave on the premises a statement detailing any items that have been taken, and identifying the person to whom a request for the return of property may be made.