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Coronavirus: Local Coronavirus Regulations Tier 3

Plain-English digest of CPS prosecution guidance.

All CPS 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 It may omit detail or fall out of date.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 outlines the restrictions and enforcement measures applicable under Tier 3 of the Coronavirus Regulations in England. It provides an overview of regulations regarding gatherings, the enforcement of restrictions, offences, and penalties. Prosecutors are guided on how to handle breaches of these regulations, what the offences entail, and the public interest considerations in prosecuting such cases.

Key points

  • Guidance is based on the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Local COVID-19 Alert Level) Regulations 2020.
  • Offences include contravening specified gathering restrictions.
  • Prosecution is likely in the public interest due to health risk implications.
  • Enforcement can involve dispersing gatherings and issuing fixed penalty notices.
  • Legal obligations and certain exceptions exist for gatherings.

Public-interest factors

  • The seriousness of the health risk posed by non-compliance.
  • The need to deter similar offences in the future.
  • The public's expectation of compliance for health and safety.
  • Context of any concurrent offences.
Tier 3 breach of gathering restrictionsFailure to comply with enforcement instructionsObstruction of enforcement officersContravention of business operation restrictionsFailure to adhere to fixed penalty notices
Read the full guidance on cps.gov.uk
Reviewed by the BlueLineHub Editorial Team
Last reviewed: 22 June 2022 · Next review due: 22 December 2022

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.