The UK government has announced new powers allowing authorities to shut down illegal mini-marts, barbershops, and vape stores for up to 12 months, more than doubling the current maximum closure period. The move comes after a 14-month BBC investigation uncovered organized crime—including drug trafficking, child sexual exploitation, money laundering, and immigration offenses—linked to these businesses.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood praised the BBC's reporting, stating that people feel their high streets are being overtaken by "organized crime and immigration criminality." She added that such lawlessness erodes public trust in local communities and democracy itself.
Under current law in England and Wales, authorities can close a shop for only three months, extendable to six months using anti-social behavior legislation. The new measure will double that to a full year, giving investigators more time to gather evidence, pursue prosecutions, and identify business owners while preventing rogue operators from quickly reopening.
Trading Standards officers have welcomed the change. John Herriman, chief executive of the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, said closure orders are a key enforcement tool against "dodgy shops" and noted near-universal support from his profession. Officers believe longer closures will make it less financially viable for unscrupulous owners to simply wait out orders and will pressure landlords to vet tenants more carefully.
Last week, Mahmood joined police raids on mini-marts along Soho Road in Birmingham's Handsworth area, near her own constituency. Officers uncovered illegal cigarettes and snuff, and a shopworker was arrested after a makeshift weapon—a plank with a nail—was found under the counter. The worker, a student from Afghanistan, admitted selling illegal cigarettes was wrong but said the owner was not present.
Soho Road has been the focus of Operation Fearless, a West Midlands Police initiative against street-level crime. PC Victoria Gaunt described it as the worst area she has worked in, with shops selling prescription drugs, cocaine, heroin, and cannabis. She reported seeing people with machetes and a rise in prostitution and exploitation of girls.
A BBC undercover reporter visited about a dozen businesses on Soho Road, finding counterfeit cigarette packs sold for as little as £3, compared to the average legitimate price of £16.50–£19.50. Shopworkers also confirmed open drug dealing on the street.
Mahmood acknowledged public frustration, saying she and her family are tired of seeing people "getting away with open criminality." She noted that the BBC's evidence proved the system was broken, prompting an urgent investigation last year involving the National Crime Agency, Immigration Enforcement, HMRC, and police forces nationwide. Last month, the government announced a new £30 million High Street organized crime unit to deliver more police and Trading Standards officers, tax raids, and a crackdown on illegal working.
The Home Office expects the extended closure orders to become law by the end of this year through secondary legislation.