Legal advice: Best practice for an EHO's visit

Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) can demand entry to premises carrying out business functions 'at all reasonable times' and without prior warning. Refusing entry is an offence and carries a fine if prosecuted.

At all reasonable times means whenever it is reasonable for the business. If it operates 24/7 then an inspection at any time, day or night, would be reasonable. Weekends, evenings and nights would be reasonable if the business trades at these times.

It is best to be prepared with a plan of action. The most important action is to have someone to deal with them who knows the business, is familiar with practices and procedures and who carries an air of 'authority'.

Full article together with some vital Hints and Tips at: www.thepublican.com