This section applies in relation to premises that are situated on a designated high street or within a designated town centre.
A person authorised in writing by the local authority for the area in which the premises are situated may—
In the following provisions of this section, "the power" means the power conferred by subsection (2).
The power may be exercised only for the purpose of obtaining information about the premises that the authority thinks is likely to be necessary or expedient for the exercise of its functions under this Part in relation to the premises.
The power may be exercised only if the local authority has given, or made all reasonable efforts to give, written notice to—
at least 14 days before the day on which the power is first exercised in relation to the premises or other land in question.
The power may be exercised only at a reasonable time.
The power may not be exercised in a way that involves the use of force, except on the authority of a warrant issued by a justice of the peace.
Such a warrant—
A person exercising the power must produce—
if so requested by any person who appears to have control over the premises or other land.
If no person who appears to have control over the premises or other land is present when the power is exercised, the person exercising the power must leave the premises or land as secure against trespassers as when the person entered.