146Emergency closure of premises for 24 hours

146 Emergency closure of premises for 24 hours (1) A senior police officer may order (an emergency closure order) a licensee, or permit-holder, to close licensed premises, or permitted premises, if the officer believes on reasonable grounds that— (a) a breach of this Act has happened, or is likely to happen; and (b) the closure of the premises is necessary to prevent or reduce a significant threat or significant risk to the safety of the community. (2) Without limiting subsection (1), the circumstances in which there may be a significant threat or significant risk to the safety of the community include circumstances in which there is— (a) a threat to public health or safety; or (b) a risk of substantial damage to property; or (c) a significant threat to the environment; or (d) a risk of an offence against a law of the ACT, with a maximum penalty of imprisonment for 2 years or more, being committed at the premises. (3) An emergency closure order must not require the closure of premises for longer than a continuous period of 24 hours. (4) If an emergency closure order is made under subsection (1), a police officer must, in writing, tell the licensee or permit-holder— (a) the name of the senior police officer making the order; and (b) when the order starts; and (c) when the order ends. Note An emergency closure notice for the emergency closure order must be given to the licensee or permit-holder as soon as practicable after the order is made (see s 147 (1)).

(5) If an emergency closure order is in force for licensed premises, or permitted premises, the licence, or permit, is suspended for the period of the order.