What aspect of theft is addressed by s8(7) of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001?

Section 8(7) of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001 addresses the act of leaving a service area without settling a payment obligation. This provision specifically targets individuals who use services with the intent to avoid payment, such as dining and leaving a restaurant without paying the bill, or using public transport without purchasing a ticket.

This part of the statute operates under the broader concept of theft, focusing on the intention to avoid payment for services rendered. It recognizes that the dishonesty involved in such actions aligns with the principles of theft, as the individual benefits from the service while intentionally refraining from fulfilling their payment duty.

The other choices deal with different aspects of theft and fraud. For example, false representation and fraud in obtaining services involve elements that align more with deception and misrepresentation rather than specifically addressing the act of leaving a venue without payment. Therefore, the correct choice encapsulates the legal focus of this particular section of the Act.