Drug activities on premises ‐ legal duties

Ironically, one of the biggest legal hazards under misuse of drugs legislation is one of the least well‐known. Offences such as unlawful production and supply of drugs are well‐established in the public domain, but the occurrence of these crimes, among others, can constitute a separate offence when committed in premises. The specific offence in question is section 8 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, which is designed to compel persons who are the occupiers of premises, or otherwise concerned in their management, to self‐police such places against certain drug activities. This article will examine the main provisions of section 8 and then argue that it is in need of reform in order to bring it more effectively into the 21st century.