To be confused — is it THE LAW that you can’t have others in your home?

[GranolaBars]

We can all agree that having people in your home right now who don’t live there would be an incredibly stupid and selfish move, and that it is against the very strong guidance of the government and all of the experts. But is it actually illegal ? And if it is it a criminal or civil offense? Do we know specifically what types of are authorized and who decides what specific level of conduct is punishable?

I’m just curious about how this all works. I am in no way advocating having people over!

Not sure about the law at the moment but certainly against the rules as the people would be leaving their homes to go to someone elses home - ie mixing with people outside their household

Unless you employ staff and then they can come to your house.

The police are allowed to issue fines to those not complying, so I'd imagine they could but I doubt theyd actually know.

it's pretty obvious that it is not a good idea..what does it matter if it's illegal or not? just don't do it.

The government said there would be an on-the-spot fine for breaking social distancing rules,
in which case it is a legal regulation

Under the Civil Contigencies Act 2004, the government can invoke emergency powers

• which it did some time ago - to bring in regulations without going through Parliament and penalties including large fines

So whether you call it a law or a legal regulation, no practical difference when you get fined

The new Coronavirus bill adds specific powers for this crisis

Sorry @gingganggooleywotsit — I did my best to make it clear that I thought it was terrible and would never do it. Perhaps I should have made it more simple for you.

Not that I need an excuse to ask a hypothetical question on a site dedicated to random discussion, but I guess I’m just trying to think about what’s happening in the world right now in a more nuanced way, based on my own interest and background. I’m a lawyer but I was trained outside the UK and have never practiced here. I’m fascinated by how different types and structures of government in different cultures exert power over citizens and what approaches work best to change behavior in societies with varying levels of entitlement to individual civil liberties. I’ve noted that more than a few posters on here perceive what the PM said to be “law,” and I was wondering what that is meant to mean on a practical level.

Thank you @BigChocFrenzy for that explanation. It makes sense.

Currently police have no power in respect of social distancing or self isolation. It's expected Thursday.

When it does come through it will be interesting to see what powers of entry are attached to people gathering at home. Cops can't just enter Jones Willy nilly.

Expect an increase in house parties and illegal alcohol sales since pubs closed

OP I hear you. I like a good old hypothetical ponder too, but I find I get misunderstood all too often

Homes cops can't enter homes

Given how stretched police resources are, I really can't see much chance of them taking action in any but the most blatant breaches of the lockdown rules.

I'd look at the civil contingencies act 2004 and there are currently 2 bills in Parliament (at least) - one I think health and one business. You should be able to find a summary of all 3 online.
I suspect it isn't in the act as my understanding is it does not quite go into that sort of detail it is more about how these sorts of "events" run, but the detailed laws will then need to go through.

@Buster72 Typo of the day there

As some OPs recently have been complaining about neighbours having parties it is more than just a hypothetical question.

Schedule 22 of the Bill allows for specific prohibitions of gatherings and breaching that would be an offence. I only skim read but I think it has to be targeted not blanket. So a known event could be blocked and it would be an offence eg if someone organised a party in a park. Not clear that people meeting up in their home would be.
I need to look in more detail.

When it does come through it will be interesting to see what powers of entry are attached to people gathering at home. Cops can't just enter Jones Willy nilly.

I haven't got time to list all the people that have a power of entry to your home without a warrant. It starts with the police (for a whole load of reasons) and goes down from there.

www.inbrief.co.uk/property-law/who-can-enter-your-house/

"reasonable suspicion" is a good one ...

4 neighbours were shouting across to each other today and them someone said “is this allowed or is it a gathering of more than two.”

I presume not, as it was short and three were at front doors, I was at a window!