Regulation 23 Entry and search in connection with suspected offence
If a justice of the peace is satisfied on sworn information or, in Northern Ireland, on a complaint on oath or, in Scotland, by evidence on oath that there are reasonable grounds for believing—
that an offence under these Regulations is being, or has been, committed on any premises, and
that any of the conditions in paragraph (2) is met in relation to the premises,
he may by signed warrant authorise a duly authorised person to enter the premises, if need be by force, and search them.
The conditions referred to are—
that entry to the premises has been, or is likely to be, refused and notice of the intention to apply for a warrant under this regulation has been given to the occupier;
that the premises are unoccupied;
that the occupier is temporarily absent;
that an application for admission to the premises or the giving of notice of the intention to apply for a warrant under this paragraph would defeat the object of entry.
A warrant under this regulation shall continue in force until the end of the period of 31 days beginning with the day on which it is issued.
The powers exercisable by a justice of the peace under paragraph (1) are also exercisable in Scotland by a sheriff.