156Consent to entry

156 Consent to entry (1) When seeking the consent of an occupier of premises to enter premises under section 154 (1) (d), an authorised person must— (a) either— (i) if the person is an investigator—produce his or her identity card; or (ii) if the person is a police officer—produce evidence that he or she is a police officer; and (b) tell the occupier— (i) the purpose of the entry; and (ii) that anything found and seized under this part may be used in evidence in court; and (iii) that consent may be refused. (2) If the occupier consents, the authorised person must ask the occupier to sign a written acknowledgment (an acknowledgment of consent)— (a) that the occupier was told— (i) the purpose of the entry; and (ii) that anything found and seized under this part may be used in evidence in court; and (iii) that consent may be refused; and (b) that the occupier consented to the entry; and (c) stating the time and date when consent was given.

(3) If the occupier signs an acknowledgment of consent, the authorised person must immediately give a copy to the occupier. (4) A court must find that the occupier did not consent to entry to the premises by the authorised person under this part if— (a) the question arises in a proceeding in the court whether the occupier consented to the entry; and (b) an acknowledgment of consent is not produced in evidence; and (c) it is not proved that the occupier consented to the entry.