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Breaching a closure notice or closure order

s.86Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014

Entering or remaining on premises without reasonable excuse in breach of a closure notice or closure order, or obstructing someone enforcing one.

Breaching a closure notice or closure order · Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, s.86Card 183 / 195

Points to prove

s.86(1)A closure notice was in force for the premises (including one continued under s.81)
s.86(2)Or a closure order was in force for the premises
The person remained on or entered the premises in contravention of the notice or order
Without reasonable excuse
s.86(3)Or, without reasonable excuse, obstructed a person serving or fixing a notice (s.79) or securing the premises (s.85(1))

Key definitions

Closure notice – s.76: issued by a police officer of at least inspector rank, the local authority or (from 26 October 2026) a registered social housing provider, which may only close premises it owns or manages (s.76(1A)). The use of the premises must have caused, or be likely soon to cause, nuisance to the public or nearby disorder. It cannot exclude people who habitually live there or the owner.
Duration of notice – s.77: up to 48 hours, or 72 hours if issued by a superintendent (or signed by a council chief executive or their designate, or by a social housing provider’s senior management). These limits were raised from 24 and 48 hours on 26 October 2026.
Closure order – s.80: made by a magistrates’ court, which must hear the application within 48 hours of service of the notice. It can prohibit access by anyone, for up to 3 months (extendable to a total of 6 months under s.82).
Premises – s.92: includes any land or other place, whether enclosed or not, and any outbuildings used as part of the premises. Homes can be closed.

Good to know

s.86(5) says 51 weeks for breaching a closure order, but s.86(6) reads it as 6 months until s.281(5) Criminal Justice Act 2003 is commenced. It has not been.
A constable or other authorised person may enter the premises and do anything necessary to secure them against entry (s.85).
Summary only, so proceedings must normally start within 6 months.

Legislation: Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, s.86 (opens legislation.gov.uk in a new tab)
Mode of trial: Summary only
Maximum penalty: Closure order: 6 months' imprisonment and/or a fine. Closure notice (or obstruction): 3 months' imprisonment and/or a fine
Last checked: 2 November 2026, against the current law on legislation.gov.uk

Breaching a closure notice or closure order: questions people ask

What are the points to prove for breaching a closure notice or closure order?

1. A closure notice was in force for the premises (including one continued under s.81) 2. Or a closure order was in force for the premises 3. The person remained on or entered the premises in contravention of the notice or order 4. Without reasonable excuse 5. Or, without reasonable excuse, obstructed a person serving or fixing a notice (s.79) or securing the premises (s.85(1))

What is the maximum sentence for breaching a closure notice or closure order?

Closure order: 6 months' imprisonment and/or a fine. Closure notice (or obstruction): 3 months' imprisonment and/or a fine.

Is breaching a closure notice or closure order a summary, either-way or indictable offence?

Breaching a closure notice or closure order is a summary-only offence: it is tried in the magistrates’ court.

What Act and section is breaching a closure notice or closure order?

Breaching a closure notice or closure order is an offence under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, s.86.

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