The powers library48 of 59 Public order and ASB

Closure notices for premises

s.76Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014

Lets an inspector or above close premises for up to 48 hours (72 hours if a superintendent issues it) where their use is causing nuisance or nearby disorder, pending a closure order hearing.

Closure notices for premises · Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, s.76Card 48 / 59

When you can use it

s.76(1)(a)Satisfied on reasonable grounds that use of the premises has resulted, or is likely soon to result, in nuisance to members of the public
s.76(1)(b)Or that there has been, or is likely soon to be, disorder near the premises associated with their use
The notice is necessary to prevent the nuisance or disorder continuing, recurring or occurring
s.76(6)Reasonable efforts made to tell the people living there, and anyone with control of, responsibility for or an interest in the premises, that it will be issued
s.76(7)Any body or individual the officer thinks appropriate has been consulted

What it allows

Prohibit access to the premises for a set period. Access can be barred to everyone except those specified, at all times or specified times, in all circumstances or with exceptions (s.76(3)).
It cannot bar people who habitually live there or the owner. They must be listed as exceptions (s.76(4)).
Maximum 48 hours, or 72 hours if issued by a superintendent or above. A superintendent can extend a 48-hour notice by up to 24 hours. Christmas Day is ignored when counting the 72 hours (s.77).

Key definitions

Premises – s.92: includes any land or other place, enclosed or not, and outbuildings used as part of the premises.
Nuisance – nuisance to members of the public. The court test for a closure order is higher: disorderly, offensive or criminal behaviour on the premises, serious nuisance to the public, or disorder near the premises associated with their use (s.80(5)).

Safeguards

The notice must identify the premises, explain its effect, state that breach is an offence, state that a closure order will be applied for and when and where it will be heard, explain a closure order, and list local housing and legal advice services (s.76(5)).
A constable serves it by fixing copies to a prominent place, each normal entrance and any outbuildings, and giving copies to the person in control and to residents (s.79). Reasonable force may be used to enter only to fix the notice.
If the grounds stop existing, the notice must be cancelled or varied (s.78).
A constable must apply to the magistrates’ court, which must hear it within 48 hours of service, ignoring Christmas Day (s.80). A closure order lasts up to 3 months.

Good to know

Entering or remaining in breach of a notice without reasonable excuse, or obstructing service, is a summary offence: up to 3 months and/or a fine (s.86).
Since 26 October 2026, the Crime and Policing Act 2026 has raised the notice limits from 24/48 hours to 48/72 hours, and the court’s power to continue a notice from 48 to 72 hours (s.3(3)–(4)). It also lets registered social housing providers issue notices for premises they own or manage (s.5 and Sch. 2).
If the court refuses an order, it may still continue the notice for up to 72 hours if satisfied the s.76 grounds are met. If it adjourns (up to 14 days), the notice can continue until the adjourned hearing (s.81).

Legislation: Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, s.76 (opens legislation.gov.uk in a new tab)
Who can use it: An inspector or above (also the local authority or a registered social housing provider)
Last checked: 3 November 2026, against the current law on legislation.gov.uk

Closure notices for premises: questions people ask

When can the police use closure notices for premises?

1. Satisfied on reasonable grounds that use of the premises has resulted, or is likely soon to result, in nuisance to members of the public 2. Or that there has been, or is likely soon to be, disorder near the premises associated with their use 3. The notice is necessary to prevent the nuisance or disorder continuing, recurring or occurring 4. Reasonable efforts made to tell the people living there, and anyone with control of, responsibility for or an interest in the premises, that it will be issued 5. Any body or individual the officer thinks appropriate has been consulted

Who can use closure notices for premises?

An inspector or above (also the local authority or a registered social housing provider)

What law gives the power for closure notices for premises?

Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, s.76.

More public order and anti-social behaviour powers

All public order and anti-social behaviour powers