Applicable to: United Kingdom

The Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 introduced provisions to assist in closing crackhouses.

The Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 will tackle a problem which has emerged over the past few years: properties used for the sale and use of crack and other Class A drugs, which are associated with serious nuisance. The Act is part of both (a) the national strategy on anti-social behaviour, which extends more widely than drug-related behaviour86 and (b) the national crack strategy (Drugs Strategy Directorate 2002), a component of the Drug Strategy. The Act makes an explicit link, for the first time, between penalties and powers to control drug-related behaviour with nuisance arising from them. Previously the only punishable act was that of possessing or supplying (or producing or trafficking etc.) the drug itself. The new Act criminalises subsequent nuisance associated with such offences. Its powers are targeted against properties, not people, as it enables the closure of premises used in connection with the production, supply or use of Class A drugs and which are associated with disorder or serious nuisance. The Act also contains other powers against nuisance, none of which are defined as drug-related even though they may be caused by drug use. Guidance to the police and courts has been produced by the Drugs Strategy Directorate (2004).

References
Anti-Social Behaviour Act. (2003). The Stationery Office. London.

Drugs Strategy Directorate (2002). Tackling crack. A national plan. Home Office. London.

Drugs Strategy Directorate (2004). Anti Social Behaviour Act 2003: Part One, Section 1 – 11 (20/01/2004). Drugs Strategy Directorate Home Office. London.