Closure of Premises

In some communities there are particular premises which are a constant focus for antisocial behaviour. The lives of those living nearby are often made a misery.

The closure of premises power has been created to allow police forces, in consultation with Local Authorities, to take action on premises which cause significant and persistent disorder, or serious nuisance to the local community. The powers created offer a real opportunity to act swiftly and decisively to control these problems.

The closure of premises involves closure notices and closure orders.

Please scroll down for more info on closure of premises.

Closure of Premises in the Act

Closure of premises is covered in Part 4 of the Act:
Link opens in a new window Read the Antisocial Behaviour Act

Key Documents and Links on Closure of Premises

The statutory guidance on closure of premises includes information on:

Definition of terms
The closure notice explained
The decision to issue a closure notice
Serving and enforcing a closure notice
The Sheriff Court
Closure order explained
Management of a closure order
Access while an order is in force
Extensions, appeals and discharge of orders
Costs and financial implications
How this action must be seen in the wider context
Closure notice checklist for Senior Officers

Document opens in a new window Statutory Guidance on Closure of Premises (PDF, 534Kb)

Police Powers to Close Premises: a Step-by-Step Guide

ASB doc icon Draft Closure Notice (PDF, 84Kb)
Shows what information should be included in a closure notice

Best Practice Case Study about Closure of Premises

Aberdeen Drug Closure
Fife Closure
Tayside Closure

FAQs about Closure of Premises

Q. Do you have a draft template to show what information should be included in a closure notice?

Q. When applying for an extension to a closure order is there a specified time limit that this has to be done by?

Q. Who pays rent during the period of closure?

You'll find answers to your questions about Closure of Premises on the FAQs page.

Case Study

Stenhouse Terrace Closure Order (PDF 39KB)

Need more advice or guidance on closure of premises? Call the Practitioners Advice Line:

advice line 2

"The closure order means that people, who have put up with an intolerable situation will be able to get some peace and quiet."
– Superintendent Tony Fitzpatrick, Fife Constabulary's Antisocial Behaviour Co-ordinator