Police Dispersal Orders at Events - Liverpool Law
In Liverpool, England, police dispersal powers can be used at public events to manage groups causing harassment, alarm or distress and to reduce immediate risk to public safety. This guide explains when Merseyside officers may issue a dispersal direction, what organisers should do to minimise the risk of orders being used, and where to find official procedures and reporting routes. It covers legal basis, enforcement roles, typical outcomes and how to respond if a direction affects your event or attendees.
When dispersal powers apply
The statutory power most commonly used is the dispersal power under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 which allows a constable to direct one or more persons to leave a specified locality and not return for a limited period where they are causing, or likely to cause, harassment, alarm or distress; directions may be time-limited (for example up to 48 hours on the statute). Read the Act[1]
- Used where behaviour is, or is likely to be, anti-social or threatening.
- Applied to individuals or groups in a defined area by a police officer on duty.
- Typically short-term and focused on immediate public safety, not a long-term restriction.
Penalties & Enforcement
Primary enforcement is by Merseyside Police using powers in the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014; action can include verbal direction, arrest or prosecution if a direction is breached. For local operational guidance and how the force uses dispersal powers, consult Merseyside Police guidance and contacts for complaints or review processes.Merseyside Police guidance[2]
- Monetary fines: not specified on the cited pages for dispersal directions; see cited statute and police guidance for criminal consequences.
- Escalation: directions, arrest for non-compliance, and potential prosecution—specific escalation ranges not specified on the cited pages.
- Non-monetary sanctions: removal from area, arrest, court proceedings; seizure only where a separate offence or seizure power exists.
- Enforcer: Merseyside Police (local officers and supervising ranks); operational event liaison often involves the force public order or local policing teams.
- Inspections and complaints: report policing concerns or file complaints via Merseyside Police official channels; for event-permission reviews contact Liverpool City Council licensing or events team.
- Appeal/review: where a direction leads to criminal proceedings, challenge is by legal defence in court; administrative review or complaints use police complaint procedures and council event permission review—specific time limits are not specified on the cited pages.
- Defences/discretion: officers may exercise discretion for reasonable excuses or where valid permits/temporary arrangements apply; specifics depend on circumstances and are governed by statute and force policy.
Applications & Forms
Dispersal directions are issued by police officers; there is no public "application" to grant a dispersal direction. Event organisers should instead use Liverpool City Council event notification and licensing routes (for example Temporary Event Notices and road closure/traffic management applications) to reduce the likelihood of police intervention. See Liverpool City Council event and licensing pages for forms, fees and submission details.Liverpool City Council events and permits[3]
- Temporary Event Notice (TEN): apply via Liverpool City Council licensing; fees, deadlines and the local process are set out on council pages.
- Road closure and traffic management: submit through council event teams with lead-in times required by the council.
Common violations and likely outcomes
- Refusal to comply with a police dispersal direction — potential arrest and prosecution.
- Persistent anti-social behaviour by groups in event perimeters — dispersal directions or public order interventions.
- Failure by organisers to liaise with police and council for large events — increased enforcement presence and risk of directions.
Action steps for organisers and attendees
- Organisers: submit TENs and event notifications to Liverpool City Council well before the event and follow council submission guidance.
- Organisers: contact Merseyside Police event liaison officers to agree stewarding and public safety plans.
- Attendees: comply with lawful police directions; if you believe a direction was improper, record details and use official complaint routes afterwards.
FAQ
- Can police issue dispersal orders at private events?
- Yes; if anti-social or threatening behaviour connected to a private event affects a public place or causes public alarm, police may use dispersal powers applicable to the public locality.
- How long can a dispersal direction last?
- Statutory directions are time-limited; for example, the enabling statute provides for directions of limited duration (see the Act). Exact durations are set in the legislation and force policy.
- What should an organiser do if a dispersal direction affects their event?
- Comply immediately, contact Merseyside Police event liaison, and follow up with Liverpool City Council licensing or the police complaints process if you consider the direction inappropriate.
How-To
- Plan early: notify Liverpool City Council and submit any required TENs or road closure requests as soon as dates are fixed.
- Engage police: contact Merseyside Police event liaison to agree stewarding, risk assessments and contact points.
- Document controls: keep clear stewarding plans, crowd-management measures and communications ready to show officers if required.
- Respond to directions: ensure staff and stewards understand to comply with any lawful dispersal direction and to record details for follow-up.
Key Takeaways
- Dispersal directions are a short-term police power focused on immediate public safety.
- Early liaison with Merseyside Police and Liverpool City Council is the best way to avoid enforcement disruption.
Help and Support / Resources
- Merseyside Police dispersal powers and contacts
- Liverpool City Council events, permits and licensing
- Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 - Section 35