To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his Department has issued guidance to the police on using powers under section 27 of the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 to police sporting events. (283734)

The Home Office issued guidance on Directions to Leave (section 27 of the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006) in August 2007. This power can be used where an individual’s presence is likely to cause or contribute to the occurrence, repetition or continuance of alcohol-related crime and disorder. The guidance does not specifically mention sporting events, but there is no reason why the power cannot be used at these events, providing that the legislative tests have been met.

A copy of the guidance can be found by using the web link as follows.

http://police.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/operational-policing/directions-to-leave-locality