To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what powers of entry trading standards officers have to domestic dwellings. (153518)

The majority of trading standards legislation only gives trading standards officers powers of entry into premises that are being used for business purposes.

Trading standards officers may enter a residential property where it is also being used as a business premise. When entering premises that are a mix of domestic and business, it is common for trading standards officers to do so with a warrant and the presence of the police.

There are a few exceptions where trading standards officers may enter premises solely used as a dwelling, which generally relate to issues of health and safety or animal welfare.