Coronavirus: Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Steps) (England) Regulations 2021
Plain-English digest of CPS prosecution guidance.
AI-generated summary — not verbatim. This is a plain-English digest, not the official CPS text. It may omit detail or fall out of date. Do not rely on it for a charging decision — read the full guidance on cps.gov.uk and check the current legislation.
This prosecution guidance summarizes the main provisions of the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Steps) Regulations 2021, aimed at assisting prosecutors in their decision-making regarding breaches of the legislation. It outlines the structure of the regulations, enforcement practices, and specific restrictions based on the designated 'Step' areas. It is intended to ensure that charging decisions reflect the regulations in force at the time of alleged breaches.
Key points
- Prosecutors must refer to the regulations when making charging decisions.
- The Regulations outline three 'Step' areas, each having different restrictions.
- Breaches are subject to summary offences punishable with fines.
- Fixed penalty notices can be issued for violations of the regulations.
- Prosecutors should consider the public interest in deciding whether to prosecute.
- ECHR rights may be involved where a 'reasonable excuse' is claimed.
Public-interest factors
- The potential seriousness of the offences due to public health concerns.
- High incidences of illness or death related to breaches.
- The need to uphold public compliance with health regulations.
- Consideration of whether the offence served the public's interest.
- Previous cases and guidance on prosecuting health-related offences.
This is a factual digest of guidance published by the Crown Prosecution Service. Digested 2026-07-15. BlueLineHub is independent and not affiliated with the CPS.