Alcohol and drugs - Closure orders

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Closure orders can be issued by the court to allow the police to temporarily close premises used for producing, supplying or using Class A drugs and at the centre of disorder or serious nuisance. A closure notice is served first, to alert the tenants, owner and neighbours of the intention to apply for a closure order.

Does it work?

Closure orders can be a swift, decisive way to control anti-social behaviour problems associated with Class A drugs. Five were used in Newcastle from October 2007-January 2008.

How it works

Where there is evidence of Class A drugs being produced or used, and there is a serious nuisance caused to others, a police officer will bring together all the agencies that might be affected by a closure of the premises. There will be discussions around whether any residents in the premises are vulnerable, and what support they can be given to minimise any negative impact if the closure goes ahead. The community will be kept informed once the order is made.