Section 146 — Application of this Part to unincorporated associations

(1) In a case falling within subsection (2), an unincorporated association is to be treated as a legal person for the purposes of this Part.

(2) A case falls within this subsection if it relates to a labour market offence for which it is possible to bring proceedings against an unincorporated association in the name of the association.

(3) Proceedings for an offence under this Part alleged to have been committed by an unincorporated association may be brought against the association in the name of the association.

(4) For the purposes of such proceedings—

(a) rules of court relating to the service of documents have effect as if the association were a body corporate, and

(b) the following provisions apply as they apply in relation to a body corporate—

(i) section 33 of the Criminal Justice Act 1925 and Schedule 3 to the Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980;

(ii) sections 34(2), 66(6AA) and 72D(2) of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995;

(iii) section 18 of the Criminal Justice Act (Northern Ireland) 1945 (c. 15 (N.I.)) and Schedule 4 to the Magistrates’ Courts (Northern Ireland) Order 1981 (S.I. 1981/1675 (N.I. 26)).

(5) A fine imposed on the association on its conviction of an offence under this Part is to be paid out of the funds of the association.

(6) If an offence under this Part committed by an unincorporated association is proved—

(a) to have been committed with the consent or connivance of an officer of the association, or

(b) to be attributable to any neglect on the part of such an officer,

the officer, as well as the association, is guilty of the offence and liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly.

(7) In subsection (6) “officer”, in relation to any association, means—

(a) an officer of the association or a member of its governing body;

(b) a person purporting to act in such a capacity.