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1986 c. 64
Be it enacted by the Queen’s most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:—
I1 | Act wholly in force at 1.4.1987 by s. 41(1) and S.I. 1987/198 |
New Offences
Riot.
— (1) Where 12 or more persons who are present together use or threaten unlawful violence for a common purpose and the conduct of them (taken together) is such as would cause a person of reasonable firmness present at the scene to fear for his personal safety, each of the persons using unlawful violence for the common purpose is guilty of riot. Violent disorder.
— (1) Where 3 or more persons who are present together use or threaten unlawful violence and the conduct of them (taken together) is such as would cause a person of reasonable firmness present at the scene to fear for his personal safety, each of the persons using or threatening unlawful violence is guilty of violent disorder. Affray.
— (1) A person is guilty of affray if he uses or threatens unlawful violence towards another and his conduct is such as would cause a person of reasonable firmness present at the scene to fear for his personal safety. Fear or provocation of violence.
— (1) A person is guilty of an offence if he—(a)
uses towards another person threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour, or
(b)
distributes or displays to another person any writing, sign or other visible representation which is threatening, abusive or insulting,
[F1 4A. thereby causing that or another person harassment, alarm or distress. (2) An offence under this section may be committed in a public or a private place, except that no offence is committed where the words or behaviour are used, or the writing, sign or other visible representation is displayed, by a person inside a dwelling and the person who is harassed, alarmed or distressed is also inside that or another dwelling. (3) It is a defence for the accused to prove— (4) A constable may arrest without warrant anyone he reasonably suspects is committing an offence under this section. (5) A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable on summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale or both.]
Intentional harassment, alarm or distress.
— (1) A person is guilty of an offence if, with intent to cause a person harassment, alarm or distress, he—(a)
uses threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour, or disorderly behaviour, or
(b)
displays any writing, sign or other visible representation which is threatening, abusive or insulting,
(a)
that he was inside a dwelling and had no reason to believe that the words or behaviour used, or the writing, sign or other visible representation displayed, would be heard or seen by a person outside that or any other dwelling, or
(b)
that his conduct was reasonable.
S. 4A inserted (3.2.1995) by 1994 c. 33, s. 154; S.I. 1995/127, art. 2, Sch. 1 | |
Harassment, alarm or distress.
— (1) A person is guilty of an offence if he—(a)
uses threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour, or disorderly behaviour, or
(b)
displays any writing, sign or other visible representation which is threatening, abusive or insulting,
(a)
that he had no reason to believe that there was any person within hearing or sight who was likely to be caused harassment, alarm or distress, or
(b)
that he was inside a dwelling and had no reason to believe that the words or behaviour used, or the writing, sign or other visible representation displayed, would be heard or seen by a person outside that or any other dwelling, or
(c)
that his conduct was reasonable.
(a)
he engages in offensive conduct which [F2 a] constable warns him to stop, and
(b)
he engages in further offensive conduct immediately or shortly after the warning.
S. 5(4)(a): by 1996 c. 59, s. 1 it is provided in s. 5(4)(a) the word "the" shall be amended by being left out the word "a" inserted | |
Mental element: miscellaneous.
— (1) A person is guilty of riot only if he intends to use violence or is aware that his conduct may be violent. Procedure: miscellaneous.
— (1) No prosecution for an offence of riot or incitement to riot may be instituted except by or with the consent of the Director of Public Prosecutions.1967 c. 58. | |
Interpretation.
In this Part— “dwelling” means any structure or part of a structure occupied as a person’s home or as other living accommodation (whether the occupation is separate or shared with others) but does not include any part not so occupied, and for this purpose “structure” includes a tent, caravan, vehicle, vessel or other temporary or movable structure;
“violence” means any violent conduct, so that— (a) except in the context of affray, it includes violent conduct towards property as well as violent conduct towards persons, and (b) it is not restricted to conduct causing or intended to cause injury or damage but includes any other violent conduct (for example, throwing at or towards a person a missile of a kind capable of causing injury which does not hit or falls short).
Offences abolished.
— (1) The common law offences of riot, rout, unlawful assembly and affray are abolished.(a)
section 1 of the M2 Tumultuous Petitioning Act 1661 (presentation of petition to monarch or Parliament accompanied by excessive number of persons),
(b)
section 1 of the M3 Shipping Offences Act 1793 (interference with operation of vessel by persons riotously assembled),
(c)
section 23 of the M4 Seditious Meetings Act 1817 (prohibition of certain meetings within one mile of Westminster Hall when Parliament sitting), and
(d)
section 5 of the M5 Public Order Act 1936 (conduct conducive to breach of the peace).
Construction of other instruments.
— (1) In the M6 Riot (Damages) Act 1886 F3 . . . (compensation for riot damage) “riotous” and “riotously” shall be construed in accordance with section 1 above. Processions and Assemblies
Advance notice of public processions.
— (1) Written notice shall be given in accordance with this section of any proposal to hold a public procession intended—(a)
to demonstrate support for or opposition to the views or actions of any person or body of persons,
(b)
to publicise a cause or campaign, or
(c)
to mark or commemorate an event,
(a)
in the police area in which it is proposed the procession will start, or
(b)
where it is proposed the procession will start in Scotland and cross into England, in the first police area in England on the proposed route.
(a)
the requirements of this section as to notice have not been satisfied, or
(b)
the date when it is held, the time when it starts, or its route, differs from the date, time or route specified in the notice.
1978 c. 30. | |
Imposing conditions on public processions.
— (1) If the senior police officer, having regard to the time or place at which and the circumstances in which any public procession is being held or is intended to be held and to its route or proposed route, reasonably believes that—(a)
it may result in serious public disorder, serious damage to property or serious disruption to the life of the community, or
(b)
the purpose of the persons organising it is the intimidation of others with a view to compelling them not to do an act they have a right to do, or to do an act they have a right not to do,
(a)
in relation to a procession being held, or to a procession intended to be held in a case where persons are assembling with a view to taking part in it, the most senior in rank of the police officers present at the scene, and
(b)
in relation to a procession intended to be held in a case where paragraph (a) does not apply, the chief officer of police.
1980 c. 43. | |
Prohibiting public processions.
— (1) If at any time the chief officer of police reasonably believes that, because of particular circumstances existing in any district or part of a district, the powers under section 12 will not be sufficient to prevent the holding of public processions in that district or part from resulting in serious public disorder, he shall apply to the council of the district for an order prohibiting for such period not exceeding 3 months as may be specified in the application the holding of all public processions (or of any class of public procession so specified) in the district or part concerned.1980 c. 43. | |
Imposing conditions on public assemblies.
— (1) If the senior police officer, having regard to the time or place at which and the circumstances in which any public assembly is being held or is intended to be held, reasonably believes that—(a)
it may result in serious public disorder, serious damage to property or serious disruption to the life of the community, or
(b)
the purpose of the persons organising it is the intimidation of others with a view to compelling them not to do an act they have a right to do, or to do an act they have a right not to do,
(a)
in relation to an assembly being held, the most senior in rank of the police officers present at the scene, and
(b)
in relation to an assembly intended to be held, the chief officer of police.
1980 c. 43. | |
[F4 14A. he may apply to the council of the district for an order prohibiting for a specified period the holding of all trespassory assemblies in the district or a part of it, as specified. (2) On receiving such an application, a council may— (3) Subsection (1) does not apply in the City of London or the metropolitan police district. (4) If at any time the Commissioner of Police for the City of London or the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis reasonably believes that an assembly is intended to be held at a place on land to which the public has no right of access or only a limited right of access in his police area and that the assembly— he may with the consent of the Secretary of State make an order prohibiting for a specified period the holding of all trespassory assemblies in the area or a part of it, as specified. (5) An order prohibiting the holding of trespassory assemblies operates to prohibit any assembly which— (6) No order under this section shall prohibit the holding of assemblies for a period exceeding 4 days or in an area exceeding an area represented by a circle with a radius of 5 miles from a specified centre. (7) An order made under this section may be revoked or varied by a subsequent order made in the same way, that is, in accordance with subsection (1) and (2) or subsection (4), as the case may be. (8) Any order under this section shall, if not made in writing, be recorded in writing as soon as practicable after being made. (9) In this section and sections 14B and 14C— (10) In relation to Scotland, the references in subsection (1) above to a district and to the council of the district shall be construed— (11) In relation to Wales, the references in subsection (1) above to a district and to the council of the district shall be construed, as respects applications on and after 1st April 1996, as references to a county or county borough and to the council for that county or county borough.]
Prohibiting trespassory assemblies.
— (1) If at any time the chief officer of police reasonably believes that an assembly is intended to be held in any district at a place on land to which the public has no right of access or only a limited right of access and that the assembly—(a)
is likely to be held without the permission of the occupier of the land or to conduct itself in such a way as to exceed the limits of any permission of his or the limits of the public’s right of access, and
(b)
may result— (i) in serious disruption to the life of the community, or (ii) where the land, or a building or monument on it, is of historical, architectural, archaeological or scientific importance, in significant damage to the land, building or monument,
(a)
in England and Wales, with the consent of the Secretary of State make an order either in the terms of the application or with such modifications as may be approved by the Secretary of State; or
(b)
in Scotland, make an order in the terms of the application.
(a)
is likely to be held without the permission of the occupier of the land or to conduct itself in such a way as to exceed the limits of any permission of his or the limits of the public’s right of access, and
(b)
may result— (i) in serious disruption to the life of the community, or (ii) where the land, or a building or monument on it, is of historical, architectural, archaeological or scientific importance, in significant damage to the land, building or monument,
(a)
is held on land to which the public has no right of access or only a limited right of access, and
(b)
takes place in the prohibited circumstances, that is to say, without the permission of the occupier of the land or so as to exceed the limits of any permission of his or the limits of the public’s right of access.
“assembly” means an assembly of 20 or more persons;
“land” means land in the open air;
“limited”, in relation to a right of access by the public to land, means that their use of it is restricted to use for a particular purpose (as in the case of a highway or road) or is subject to other restrictions;
“occupier” means— (a) in England and Wales, the person entitled to possession of the land by virtue of an estate or interest held by him; or (b) in Scotland, the person lawfully entitled to natural possession of the land, and in subsections (1) and (4) includes the person reasonably believed by the authority applying for or making the order to be the occupier;
“public” includes a section of the public; and
“specified” means specified in an order under this section.
(a)
as respects applications before 1st April 1996, as references to the area of a regional or islands authority and to the authority in question; and
(b)
as respects applications on and after that date, as references to a local government area and to the council for that area.
S. 14A inserted (3.11.1994) by 1994 c. 33 ss. 70, 172(4) | |
[F5 14B. (2) A person who takes part in an assembly which he knows is prohibited by an order under section 14A is guilty of an offence. (3) In England and Wales, a person who incites another to commit an offence under subsection (2) is guilty of an offence. (4) A constable in uniform may arrest without a warrant anyone he reasonably suspects to be committing an offence under this section. (5) A person guilty of an offence under subsection (1) is liable on summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months or a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale or both. (6) A person guilty of an offence under subsection (2) is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale. (7) A person guilty of an offence under subsection (3) is liable on summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months or a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale or both, notwithstanding section 45(3) of the M12 Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980. (8) Subsection (3) above is without prejudice to the application of any principle of Scots Law as respects art and part guilt to such incitement as is mentioned in that subsection.]
Offences in connection with trespassory assemblies and arrest therefor.
— (1) A person who organises an assembly the holding of which he knows is prohibited by an order under section 14A is guilty of an offence. [F6 14C. (2) The power conferred by subsection (1) may only be exercised within the area to which the order applies. (3) A person who fails to comply with a direction under subsection (1) which he knows has been given to him is guilty of an offence. (4) A constable in uniform may arrest without a warrant anyone he reasonably suspects to be committing an offence under this section. (5) A person guilty of an offence under subsection (3) is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.]
Stopping persons from proceeding to trespassory assemblies.
— (1) If a constable in uniform reasonably believes that a person is on his way to an assembly within the area to which an order under section 14A applies which the constable reasonably believes is likely to be an assembly which is prohibited by that order, he may, subject to subsection (2) below—(a)
stop that person, and
(b)
direct him not to proceed in the direction of the assembly.
S. 14C inserted (3.11.1994) by 1994 c. 33, ss. 71, 172(4) | |
Delegation.
— (1) The chief officer of police may delegate, to such extent and subject to such conditions as he may specify, any of his functions under sections 12 to [F7 14A] to [F8 an] assistant chief constable; and references in those sections to the person delegating shall be construed accordingly. Interpretation.
In this Part— “the City of London” means the City as defined for the purposes of the Acts relating to the City of London police;
“the metropolitan police district” means that district as defined in section 76 of the M13 London Government Act 1963;
“public assembly” means an assembly of 20 or more persons in a public place which is wholly or partly open to the air;
“public place” means— (a) any highway, or in Scotland any road within the meaning of the M14 Roads (Scotland) Act 1984, and (b) any place to which at the material time the public or any section of the public has access, on payment or otherwise, as of right or by virtue of express or implied permission;
“public procession” means a procession in a public place.
Racial Hatred
Meaning of “racial hatred”.
In this Part “racial hatred” means hatred against a group of persons F9 . . . defined by reference to colour, race, nationality (including citizenship) or ethnic or national origins.Words in s. 17 repealed (14.12.2001) by 2001 c. 24, ss. 37, 125, 127(2), Sch. 8 Pt. 4 (with s. 42) | |
Use of words or behaviour or display of written material.
— (1) A person who uses threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour, or displays any written material which is threatening, abusive or insulting, is guilty of an offence if—(a)
he intends thereby to stir up racial hatred, or
(b)
having regard to all the circumstances racial hatred is likely to be stirred up thereby.
Words substituted by Broadcasting Act 1990 (c. 42, SIF 96), s. 164(2) | |
Publishing or distributing written material.
— (1) A person who publishes or distributes written material which is threatening, abusive or insulting is guilty of an offence if—(a)
he intends thereby to stir up racial hatred, or
(b)
having regard to all the circumstances racial hatred is likely to be stirred up thereby.
Public performance of play.
— (1) If a public performance of a play is given which involves the use of threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour, any person who presents or directs the performance is guilty of an offence if—(a)
he intends thereby to stir up racial hatred, or
(b)
having regard to all the circumstances (and, in particular, taking the performance as a whole) racial hatred is likely to be stirred up thereby.
(a)
that he did not know and had no reason to suspect that the performance would involve the use of the offending words or behaviour, or
(b)
that he did not know and had no reason to suspect that the offending words or behaviour were threatening, abusive or insulting, or
(c)
that he did not know and had no reason to suspect that the circumstances in which the performance would be given would be such that racial hatred would be likely to be stirred up.
(a)
rehearsal,
(b)
making a recording of the performance, or
(c)
enabling the performance to be [F11 included in a programme service];
(a)
a person shall not be treated as presenting a performance of a play by reason only of his taking part in it as a performer,
(b)
a person taking part as a performer in a performance directed by another shall be treated as a person who directed the performance if without reasonable excuse he performs otherwise than in accordance with that person’s direction, and
(c)
a person shall be taken to have directed a performance of a play given under his direction notwithstanding that he was not present during the performance;
section 9 (script as evidence of what was performed),
section 10 (power to make copies of script),
section 15 (powers of entry and inspection).
Distributing, showing or playing a recording.
— (1) A person who distributes, or shows or plays, a recording of visual images or sounds which are threatening, abusive or insulting is guilty of an offence if—(a)
he intends thereby to stir up racial hatred, or
(b)
having regard to all the circumstances racial hatred is likely to be stirred up thereby.
Words substituted by Broadcasting Act 1990 (c. 42, SIF 96), s. 164(2) | |
Broadcasting or including programme in cable programme service.
— (1) If a programme involving threatening, abusive or insulting visual images or sounds is [F13 included in a programme service], each of the persons mentioned in subsection (2) is guilty of an offence if—(a)
he intends thereby to stir up racial hatred, or
(b)
having regard to all the circumstances racial hatred is likely to be stirred up thereby.
(a)
the person providing the . . . F14 programme service,
(b)
any person by whom the programme is produced or directed, and
(c)
any person by whom offending words or behaviour are used.
(a)
he did not know and had no reason to suspect that the programme would involve the offending material, and
(b)
having regard to the circumstances in which the programme was [F15 included in a programme service], it was not reasonably practicable for him to secure the removal of the material.
(a)
that the programme would be [F15 included in a programme service], or
(b)
that the circumstances in which the programme would be . . . F16 so included would be such that racial hatred would be likely to be stirred up.
(a)
that a programme involving the use of the offending material would be [F15 included in a programme service], or
Words substituted by Broadcasting Act 1990 (c. 42, SIF 96), s. 164(3)(a) | |
Words repealed by Broadcating Act 1990 (c. 42, SIF 96), ss. 164(3)(b)(i), 203(3), Sch. 21 | |
Words substituted by Broadcasting Act 1990 (c. 42, SIF 96), s. 164(3)(a) | |
Words repealed by Broadcasting Act 1990 (c. 42, SIF 96), ss. 164(3)(b)(ii), 203(3), Sch. 21 | |
S. 22(7)(8) repealed by Broadcasting Act 1990 (c. 42, SIF 96), ss. 164(3)(b)(iii)(iv), 203(3), Sch. 21 | |
Possession of racially inflammatory material.
— (1) A person who has in his possession written material which is threatening, abusive or insulting, or a recording of visual images or sounds which are threatening, abusive or insulting, with a view to—(a)
in the case of written material, its being displayed, published, distributed, [F18 or included in a cable programme service], whether by himself or another, or
(b)
in the case of a recording, its being distributed, shown, played, [F18 or included in a cable programme service], whether by himself or another,
Powers of entry and search.
— (1) If in England and Wales a justice of the peace is satisfied by information on oath laid by a constable that there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that a person has possession of written material or a recording in contravention of section 23, the justice may issue a warrant under his hand authorising any constable to enter and search the premises where it is suspected the material or recording is situated.(a)
any vehicle, vessel, aircraft or hovercraft,
(b)
any offshore installation as defined in section 1(3)(b) of the M16 Mineral Workings (Offshore Installations) Act 1971, and
(c)
any tent or movable structure.
1971 c. 61. | |
Power to order forfeiture.
— (1) A court by or before which a person is convicted of—(a)
an offence under section 18 relating to the display of written material, or
(b)
an offence under section 19, 21 or 23,
(a)
in the case of an order made in proceedings in England and Wales, until the expiry of the ordinary time within which an appeal may be instituted or, where an appeal is duly instituted, until it is finally decided or abandoned;
(b)
in the case of an order made in proceedings in Scotland, until the expiration of the time within which, by virtue of any statute, an appeal may be instituted or, where such an appeal is duly instituted, until the appeal is finally decided or abandoned.
(a)
an application for a case stated or for leave to appeal shall be treated as the institution of an appeal, and
(b)
where a decision on appeal is subject to a further appeal, the appeal is not finally determined until the expiry of the ordinary time within which a further appeal may be instituted or, where a further appeal is duly instituted, until the further appeal is finally decided or abandoned.
Savings for reports of parliamentary or judicial proceedings.
— (1) Nothing in this Part applies to a fair and accurate report of proceedings in Parliament [F21 or in the Scottish Parliament].words in s. 26 inserted (6.5.1999) by 1998 c. 46, s. 125, Sch. 8 para. 24 (with s 126(3)-(11); S.I. 1998/3178, art. 2, Sch. 3 | |
Procedure and punishment.
— (1) No proceedings for an offence under this Part may be instituted in England and Wales except by or with the consent of the Attorney General.(a)
on conviction on indictment to imprisonment for a term not exceeding [F22 seven years] or a fine or both;
(b)
on summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum or both.
Words in s. 27(3) substituted (14.12.2001) by 2001 c. 24, ss. 40, 127(2) (with s. 42) | |
Offences by corporations.
— (1) Where a body corporate is guilty of an offence under this Part and it is shown that the offence was committed with the consent or connivance of a director, manager, secretary or other similar officer of the body, or a person purporting to act in any such capacity, he as well as the body corporate is guilty of the offence and liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly. Interpretation.
In this Part—. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F23
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F23
“distribute”, and related expressions, shall be construed in accordance with section 19(3)(written material) and section 21(2)(recordings);
“dwelling” means any structure or part of a structure occupied as a person’s home or other living accommodation (whether the occupation is separate or shared with others) but does not include any part not so occupied, and for this purpose “structure” includes a tent, caravan, vehicle, vessel or other temporary or movable structure;
“programme” means any item which is [F24 included in a programme service];
[F25 “programme service” has the same meaning as in the Broadcasting Act 1990;]
“publish”, and related expressions, in relation to written material, shall be construed in accordance with section 19 (3);
“racial hatred” has the meaning given by section 17;
“recording” has the meaning given by section 21(2), and “play” and “show”, and related expressions, in relation to a recording, shall be construed in accordance with that provision;
“written material” includes any sign or other visible representation.
Ss. 30–37 repealed with saving by Football Supporters Act 1989 (c. 37, SIF 45A), s. 27(5); Subject to amendment (27.9.1999) (E.W.) by 1999 c. 21, ss. 6(1), 6(2)(a)(b), 7(1), 8(1)(2)(4)(5); Subject to amendment (1.4.2001) by 1999 c. 22, ss. 90, 106, 108, Sch. 13 para. 134, Sch. 15 Pt. V(7); S.I. 2001/916, art. 2 (with transitional provisions and savings in Sch. 2 para. 2); Subject to amendment (25.8.2000) by 2000 c. 6, ss. 165(1), 168(1), Sch. 9 para. 101; Subject to amendment (28.8.2000) by 2000 c. 25, s. 1(2)(3), Sch. 2 paras. 3-7, Sch. 3; S.I. 2000/2125, art. 2 | |
Miscellaneous and General
Contamination of or interference with goods with intention of causing public alarm or anxiety, etc.
— (1) It is an offence for a person, with the intention—(a)
of causing public alarm or anxiety, or
(b)
of causing injury to members of the public consuming or using the goods, or
(c)
of causing economic loss to any person by reason of the goods being shunned by members of the public, or
(d)
of causing economic loss to any person by reason of steps taken to avoid any such alarm or anxiety, injury or loss,
(a)
materials to be used for contaminating or interfering with goods or making it appear that goods have been contaminated or interfered with, or
(b)
goods which have been contaminated or interfered with, or which appear to have been contaminated or interfered with.
(a)
on conviction on indictment to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 10 years or a fine or both, or
(b)
on summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum or both.
F27 39. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
S. 39 repealed (3.11.1994) by 1994 c. 33, ss. 168(3), 172(4), Sch. 11 | |
Amendments, repeals and savings.
— (1) Schedule 1, which amends the M17 Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol etc.) Act 1985 and Part V of the M18 Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 1980, shall have effect.Power of appointment conferred by s. 41 partly exercised: S.I. 1986/2041, 1987/198, 852 | |
Extent
— (1) The provisions of this Act extend to England and Wales except so far as they—(a)
amend or repeal an enactment which does not so extend, or
(b)
relate to the extent of provisions to Scotland or Northern Ireland.
in Part I, section 9(2) except paragraph (a);
in Part II, sections 12 and 14 to 16;
Part III;
Part V, except sections 38, F28 . . ., 40(4), subsections (1) and (3) of this section and any provision amending or repealing an enactment which does not extend to Scotland.
sections 38, 41, this subsection, [F29 and section 43].
Short title.
This Act may be cited as the Public Order Act 1986.Section 40 (1).
Sporting Events
England and Wales
1985 c. 57. | |
" Alcohol on certain other vehicles.
1A. — (1) This section applies to a motor vehicle which— (2) A person who knowingly causes or permits intoxicating liquor to be carried on a motor vehicle to which this section applies is guilty of an offence— (3) A person who has intoxicating liquor in his possession while on a motor vehicle to which this section applies is guilty of an offence. (4) A person who is drunk on a motor vehicle to which this section applies is guilty of an offence. (5) In this section—
(a)
is not a public service vehicle but is adapted to carry more than 8 passengers, and
(b)
is being used for the principal purpose of carrying two or more passengers for the whole or part of a journey to or from a designated sporting event.
(a)
if he is its driver, or
(b)
if he is not its driver but is its keeper, the servant or agent of its keeper, a person to whom it is made available (by hire, loan or otherwise) by its keeper or the keeper’s servant or agent, or the servant or agent of a person to whom it is so made available.
“keeper”, in relation to a vehicle, means the person having the duty to take out a licence for it under section 1(1) of the Vehicles (Excise) Act 1971,
“motor vehicle” means a mechanically propelled vehicle intended or adapted for use on roads, and
“public service vehicle” has the same meaning as in the Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981.".
" Fireworks etc.
2A. — (1) A person is guilty of an offence if he has an article or substance to which this section applies in his possession— (2) It is a defence for the accused to prove that he had possession with lawful authority. (3) This section applies to any article or substance whose main purpose is the emission of a flare for purposes of illuminating or signalling (as opposed to igniting or heating) or the emission of smoke or a visible gas; and in particular it applies to distress flares, fog signals, and pellets and capsules intended to be used as fumigators or for testing pipes, but not to matches, cigarette lighters or heaters. (4) This section also applies to any article which is a firework.".
(a)
at any time during the period of a designated sporting event when he is in any area of a designated sports ground from which the event may be directly viewed, or
(b)
while entering or trying to enter a designated sports ground at any time during the period of a designated sporting event at the ground.
" Private facilities for viewing events.
5A. — (1) In relation to a room in a designated sports ground— sections 2(1)(a) and 3(1)(a) of this Act have effect with the substitution for the reference to the period of a designated sporting event of a reference to the restricted period defined below. (2) Subject to any order under subsection (3) below, the restricted period of a designated sporting event for the purposes of this section is the period beginning 15 minutes before the start of the event or (if earlier) 15 minutes before the time at which it is advertised to start and ending 15 minutes after the end of the event, but— (3) The Secretary of State may by order provide, in relation to all designated sporting events or in relation to such descriptions of event as are specified in the order— (4) An order under this section shall be made by statutory instrument which shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.
(a)
from which designated sporting events may be directly viewed, and
(b)
to which the general public are not admitted,
(a)
where an event advertised to start at a particular time on a particular day is postponed to a later day, the restricted period includes the period in the day on which it is advertised to take place beginning 15 minutes before and ending 15 minutes after that time, and
(b)
where an event advertised to start at a particular time on a particular day does not take place, the period is the period referred to in paragraph (a) above.
(a)
that the restricted period shall be such period, shorter than that mentioned in subsection (2) above, as may be specified in the order, or
(b)
that there shall be no restricted period.
Occasional licences.
5B. — (1) An occasional licence which is in force for any place situated in the area of a designated sports ground, and which would (apart from this section) authorise the sale of intoxicating liquor at the place during the whole or part of the period of a designated sporting event at the ground, shall not authorise such sale. (2) Where the sale of intoxicating liquor would (apart from this section) be authorised by an occasional licence, its holder is guilty of an offence if he sells or authorises the sale of such liquor and by virtue of this section the licence does not authorise the sale. (3) A person is guilty of an offence if he consumes intoxicating liquor at a place, or takes such liquor from a place, at a time when an occasional licence which would (apart from this section) authorise the sale of the liquor at the place does not do so by virtue of this section.
Clubs.
5C. — (1) Subsections (3) and (5) of section 39 of the Licensing Act 1964 (clubs), and subsection (4) of that section as it applies to subsection (3), shall not apply as regards the supply of intoxicating liquor in the area of a designated sports ground during the period of a designated sporting event at the ground or as regards the keeping of intoxicating liquor for such supply; but subsections (2) to (5) below shall apply. (2) During the period of such an event at the ground, intoxicating liquor shall not be supplied by or on behalf of a registered club to a member or guest in the area of the ground except at premises in respect of which the club is registered. (3) A person supplying or authorising the supply of intoxicating liquor in contravention of subsection (2) above is guilty of an offence. (4) A person who, during the period of such an event, obtains or consumes intoxicating liquor supplied in contravention of subsection (2) above is guilty of an offence. (5) If intoxicating liquor is kept in any premises or place by or on behalf of a club for supply to members or their guests in contravention of subsection (2) above, every officer of the club is guilty of an offence unless he shows that it was so kept without his knowledge or consent.
Non-retail sales.
5D. — (1) During the period of a designated sporting event at a designated sports ground, intoxicating liquor shall not be sold in the area of the ground except by sale by retail. (2) A person selling or authorising the sale of intoxicating liquor in contravention of subsection (1) above is guilty of an offence. (3) A person who, during the period of such an event, obtains or consumes intoxicating liquor sold in contravention of subsection (1) above is guilty of an offence.".
"(d)
in the case of an offence under section 5B(3), 5C(4) or 5D(3), to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale, and
(e)
in the case of an offence under section 5C(5), to a fine not exceeding level 1 on the standard scale.".
Scotland
1980 c. 62. | |
" Alcohol on certain other vehicles.
70A. — (1) This section applies to a motor vehicle which is not a public service vehicle but is adapted to carry more than 8 passengers and is being operated for the principal purpose of conveying two or more passengers for the whole or part of a journey to or from a designated sporting event. (2) Any person in possession of alcohol on a vehicle to which this section applies shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to imprisonment for a period not exceeding 60 days or a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale or both. (3) Any person who is drunk on a vehicle to which this section applies shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 2 on the standard scale. (4) Any person who permits alcohol to be carried on a vehicle to which this section applies and— shall, subject to section 71 of this Act, be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.".
(a)
is the driver of the vehicle, or
(b)
where he is not its driver, is the keeper of the vehicle, the employee or agent of the keeper, a person to whom it is made available (by hire, loan or otherwise) by the keeper or the keeper’s employee or agent, or the employee or agent of a person to whom it is so made available,
(a)
the following definitions shall be inserted in the appropriate places alphabetically— "“keeper”, in relation to a vehicle, means the person having the duty to take out a licence for it under section 1(1) of the Vehicles (Excise) Act 1971; “motor vehicle” means a mechanically propelled vehicle intended or adapted for use on roads;"; and
(b)
in the definition of “public service vehicle” for the words “Part I of the Transport Act 1980” there shall be substituted the words “the M21 Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981”;”.
1981 c. 14. | |
" Possession of fireworks etc. at sporting events.
72A. — (1) Any person who has entered the relevant area of a designated sports ground and is in possession of a controlled article or substance at any time during the period of a designated sporting event shall be guilty of an offence. (2) Any person who, while in possession of a controlled article or substance, attempts to enter the relevant area of a designated sports ground at any time during the period of a designated sporting event at the ground shall be guilty of an offence. (3) A person guilty of an offence under subsection (1) or (2) above shall be liable on summary conviction to imprisonment for a period not exceeding 60 days or to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale or both. (4) It shall be a defence for a person charged with an offence under subsection (1) or (2) above to show that he had lawful authority to be in possession of the controlled article or substance. (5) In subsections (1) and (2) above “controlled article or substance” means—
(a)
any article or substance whose main purpose is the emission of a flare for purposes of illuminating or signalling (as opposed to igniting or heating) or the emission of smoke or a visible gas; and in particular it includes distress flares, fog signals, and pellets and capsules intended to be used as fumigators or for testing pipes, but not matches, cigarette lighters or heaters; and
(b)
any article which is a firework.".
"; or (iii) a controlled article or substance as defined in section 72A(5) of this Act.".
Section 40(2).
Other Amendments
F30 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sch. 2 para. 1 repealed (16.10.1992) by Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 (c. 52), ss. 300(1), 302, Sch.1 | |
(a)
in subsection (1)— (i) after “below” there shall be inserted “(a)”; and (ii) at the end there shall be inserted— “; and (b) to the chief constable.”
(b)
in subsection (2)— (i) in paragraph (a), after “council” there shall be inserted “and to the office of the chief constable”; (ii) in paragraph (b), for “that office” there shall be substituted “those offices”;
(c)
in subsection (4)— (i) after “area” there shall be inserted “(a)”; and (ii) after “them” there shall be inserted— “; and (b) intimated to the chief constable,”; and
(d)
in subsection (12), in the definition of “public place”, for “the Public Order Act 1936” there shall be substituted “Part II of the Public Order Act 1986”.
(a)
after subsection (1) there shall be inserted— "(1A) Where notice of a proposal to hold a procession has been given or falls to be treated as having been given in accordance with section 62(1) of this Act—
(a)
if a regional or islands council have made an order under subsection (1) above they may at any time thereafter, after consulting the chief constable, vary or revoke the order and, where they revoke it, make any order which they were empowered to make under that subsection;
(b)
if they have decided not to make an order they may at any time thereafter, after consulting the chief constable, make any order which they were empowered to make under that subsection.";
(b)
in subsection (2) after “(1)” there shall be inserted “or (1A)”;
(c)
in subsection (3)— (i) in paragraph (a)(i), after “(1)” there shall be inserted or (1A) above”; (ii) in paragraph (a)(ii), for “such an order” there shall be substituted “an order under subsection (1) above or to revoke an order already made under subsection (1) or (1A) above”; (iii) at the end of paragraph (a)(ii), for “and” there shall be substituted— "(iii) where they have, under subsection (1A) above, varied such an order, a copy of the order as varied and a written statement of the reasons for the variation; and"; (iv) in paragraph (b), after “(1)” there shall be inserted “or (1A)”, and after “made” where third occurring there shall be inserted “and, if the order has been varied under subsection (1A) above, that it has been so varied”; and (v) at the end of paragraph (b) there shall be inserted— “; and
(c)
where they have revoked an order made under subsection (1) or (1A) above in relation to a proposal to hold a procession, make such arrangements as will ensure that persons who might take or are taking part in that procession are made aware of the fact that the order has been revoked.”.
(a)
in subsection (1) for the words from “against” to the end there shall be substituted— in relation to the procession.";
"against—
(a)
an order made under section 63(1) or (1A) of this Act; or
(b)
a variation under section 63(1A) of this Act of an order made under section 63(1) or (1A),
(b)
in subsection (4) after “make” there shall be inserted “or, as the case may be, to vary”; and
(c)
in subsection (7) after “order” there shall be inserted “or, as the case may be, the variation of whose order”.
(a)
in paragraphs (b) and (c) of subsection (1), after “(1)” there shall be inserted “or (1A)”; and
(b)
in paragraphs (b) and (c) of subsection (2), after “(1)” there shall be inserted “or (1A)”.
(a)
for “the Public Order Act 1936” there shall be substituted “Part II of the Public Order Act 1986”;
(b)
in paragraph (a), for “or order made under section 3” there shall be substituted “under section 12”, and “or that order” shall be omitted; and
(c)
in paragraph (b), “or order under the said section 3” shall be omitted.
Sch. 2 para. 5 repealed by Broadcasting Act 1990 (c. 42, SIF 96), s. 203(3), Sch. 21 | |
Sch. 2 para. 6 repealed by S.I. 1987/463 (N.I. 7), art. 28(5), Sch. 2, and Broadcasting Act 1990 (c. 42, SIF 96), s. 203(3), Sch. 21 | |
Section 40(3).
Repeals
| Chapter | Short title | Extent of repeal |
| 13 Chas. 2. Stat. 1. c. 5. | Tumultuous Petitioning Act 1661. | The whole Act. |
| 33 Geo. 3. c. 67. | Shipping Offences Act 1793. | The whole Act. |
| 57 Geo. 3. c. 19. | Seditious Meetings Act 1817. | The whole Act. |
| 5 Geo. 4. c. 83. | Vagrancy Act 1824. | In section 4, the words from “every person being armed” to “arrestable offence” and from “and every such gun” to the end. |
| 2 & 3 Vict. c. 47. | Metropolitan Police Act 1839. | In section 54, paragraph 13. |
| 2 & 3 Vict. c. xciv. | City of London Police Act 1839. | In section 35, paragraph 13. |
| 3 Edw. 7.c .ccl. | Erith Tramways and Improvement Act 1903. | Section 171. |
| 1 Edw. 8 & 1 Geo. 6. c. 6. | Public Order Act 1936. | Section 3. |
| Section 4. | ||
| Section 5. | ||
| Section 5A. | ||
| In section 7, in subsection (2) the words “or section 5 or 5A” and in subsection (3) the words “, four or five”. | ||
| Section 8(6). | ||
| In section 9, in subsection (1) the definition of “public procession” and in subsection (3) the words “by the council of any borough or district or”. | ||
| 7 & 8 Geo. 6. c.xxi. | Middlesex County Council Act 1944. | Section 309. |
| 1967 c. 58. | Criminal Law Act 1967. | Section 11(3). |
| In Schedule 2, paragraph 2(1)(b). | ||
| 1968 c. 54. | Theatres Act 1968. | Section 5. |
| In sections 7(2), 8, 9(1), 10 (1)(a) and (b), 15(1)(a) and 18(2), the references to section 5. | ||
| 1976 c. 74. | Race Relations Act 1976. | Section 70. |
| Section 79(6). | ||
| 1976 c. xxxv. | County of South Glamorgan Act 1976. | Section 25. |
| In Part I of Schedule 3, the entry relating to section 25. | ||
| 1980 c. 62. | Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 1980. | In section 75(e)(i), the word “or” at the end. |
| 1980 c. x. | County of Merseyside Act 1980. | In section 30(2), paragraph (b), the word “and” preceding that paragraph and the words from “and may make” to the end. |
| In section 30(5), the words “in the said section 31 or”. | ||
| Section 31. | ||
| In section 137(2), the reference to section 31. | ||
| 1980 c. xi. | West Midlands County Council Act 1980. | Section 38, except subsection (4). |
| In section 116(2), the reference to section 38. | ||
| 1980 c. xiii. | Cheshire County Council Act 1980. | Section 28, except subsection (4). |
| In section 108(2), the reference to section 28. | ||
| 1980 c. xv. | Isle of Wight Act 1980. | Section 26, except subsection (4). |
| In section 63(2), the reference to section 26. | ||
| 1981 c. ix. | Greater Manchester Act 1981. | Section 56, except subsection (4). |
| In section 179(2), the reference to section 56. | ||
| 1981 c. xxv. | East Sussex Act 1981. | Section 29. |
| In section 102(2), the reference to section 29. | ||
| 1982 c. 45. | Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982. | Section 62(10). |
| In section 63(3)(a)(i), the word “or” at the end. | ||
| In section 66, in paragraph (a), the words “or that order”, and in paragraph (b) the words “or order under the said section 3”. | ||
| 1982 c. 48. | Criminal Justice Act 1982. | In Part I of Schedule 1, the entries relating to riot and affray. |
| 1984 c. 46. | Cable and Broadcasting Act 1984. | Section 27. |
| In section 33 (2), the words “an offence under section 27 above or”. | ||
| 1984 c. 60. | Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984. | In section 17(1)(c)(i) the words from “4” to “peace)”. |
| 1985 c. 57. | Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol etc.) Act 1985. | In section 8, the word “and” at the end of paragraph (b). |
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| Version no | Start date | End date | Extent | Confers power | Blanket amendment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| > 1 | 01/02/1991 | E+W+S+N.I. | N | N |