whilst on duty unless there is a crime inside the store itself? if so y?
2007-02-14 23:31:48 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
I'm not really sure what exactly your question is. BUT Police can enter into any store that is open to the public. CRIME or NO crime. They can be on duty or off. This includes banks, restaurants, clubs, bars, strip joints, whatever the case be. Again this is if it is open to the public. And if it is a private club or organization if there is licensing that is given by the city and or town the police CAN enter into this place as well. They have the right and the power to enter and visually see the license. Hope I have given you what you need to know.
2007-02-14 23:43:14 · answer #1 · answered by GRUMPY 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Originally in the 1960's when the Off License/pub was the only place you could buy alcohol the law was introduced to stop Police Officers drinking on duty, or going in for a meal and a pint etc.
Times have changed a great deal where these days you can now buy alcohol virtually anywhere. Unfortunately the law hasn't moved with the times.
The following is a true story and happened to me a couple of years. I entered a local corner shop because I fancied a Cadbury's Cream Egg ( the shop sold alcohol). I picked up my chocolate egg and went to the counter to pay for it when the woman behind the counter refused to serve me because she wasn't allowed to serve a police officer in uniform refreshments!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I was very angry and explained that the legislation was designed to stop a Police officer from buying alcohol and not Cadbury's Cream Eggs and walked off in a huff.
The lady behind the counter had only just completed her license course and didn't realise.
2007-02-15 12:36:07 · answer #2 · answered by Roaming free 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Police Officers on duty in the UK are allowed into off licenses, but they are not allowed to purchase anything - even if they're buying something that's not alcoholic. I didn't know this until I went into an off licence about 3 years ago to make some enquiries regarding a burglary there, and tried to buy some mints. They sold them to me, but said they shouldn't really as I was on duty. I felt rather stupid. Same relates to public houses apparently. I don't know why - it's just the law.
2007-02-15 10:27:26 · answer #3 · answered by ragill_s1849 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
A police officer can enter an off licence but not purchase alcohol in uniform.In Hull an incompetent civilian employee decided to send a letter to all off licences and supermakets to remind them officers couldnt be served whilst in uniform forgetting to mention alcohol so numerous officers going to buy sandwiches or soft drinks were refused service or allowed to shop on their way home!
2007-02-15 10:25:43 · answer #4 · answered by frankturk50 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No they can enter any place open to the public that includes an off licence. Whether there is a crime or not, they might just want to question the staff or customers and they are allowed to do so.
2007-02-15 07:37:09 · answer #5 · answered by clever investor 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
they are allowed in but there is a really old law that says they arent allowed to be served with alcohol or refreshments. Bit like that other old law about it being a criminal offence to be under the influence of alcohol on licensed premises!!
2007-02-15 08:15:02 · answer #6 · answered by vdv_desantnik 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Assuming you are in England, Wales or the Scilly Isles and talking about drink related issues, the main legislation is in Section 179 & Section 180 of the Licensing Act 2003. In essence that gives Police and 'authorised persons' eg. employees of the local councils licensing team, authority to enter licensed premises to see and check up whether it is being properly run. It is worth remembering that basically over 18's selling, supplying etc. alcohol to under 18's could be fined up to £5,000 and under 18's buying alcohol are themselves liable to £1,000 fine. Also that 'test purchasing' by weights & measures inspectors using under age people may also be carried out to see if the age limits and prohibitions are being observed.
PS Added later .. how sad that some of you out there deem it necessary to give thumbs down to a factual answer from some one who tries to share knowledge built up over many years which includes High Court case stated decision which agreed with me and were incorporated into the legal text books. With respect to those who mention the 'old law' about Police Officers and not being allowed refreshments, buying things in off licences on duty etc. that was under Section 178 of the old Licensing Act 1964 and repealed as a consequence of the Licensing Act 2003. My sentiments go to all those who use a thumb down as a spoiling tactic ( but you're probably the ones who spoil licensed premises for decent folks, can't hold your drink and generally make yourselves a nuisance to the casualty dept with your drunken brawling ) . There is a world of difference between factual answers for which there is no dispute as opposed to opinions which can be legitimately voted upon.
2007-02-15 07:57:05 · answer #7 · answered by on thin ice 5 · 2⤊ 3⤋
Not at all. as long as the police are not buying alcohol there is no law , rule, or regulation stopping them using an off licence. They can buy crisps, chocolate or cigs. The same applies to Public houses. The police can enter a Public house anytime during opening hours.
2007-02-15 15:09:14 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
NO.
They are not allowed to buy alcohol whilst in uniform on duty.
2007-02-15 13:51:18 · answer #9 · answered by dcukldon 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
why would they be in an off license whilst on duty?
2007-02-15 07:35:42 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋