The UK Government’s plan to double the length of closure orders for illicit traders in England and Wales to 12 months has been deemed “a significant victory” by the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS).
Existing powers allow premises in England and Wales to be closed for up to six months, but the Government noted that businesses can often reopen before investigations have concluded, allowing criminal activity to resume and creating additional burdens for local authorities, police forces and the courts.
The aim of the new extended closure orders would be to give investigators more time to gather evidence, pursue prosecutions and identify the criminal bosses directing activity from behind the scenes, while also preventing rogue operators from simply reopening and resuming illegal activity.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: “High streets across the country have been hijacked by criminal gangs operating in plain sight – running vape stories, dodgy barbers, and nail salons to launder their dirty money. I have launched a nationwide crackdown to raid and close thousands of illegal businesses, arrest bosses and seize their dirty cash. But I will go further – introducing new laws to close these shops for good and put criminal bosses behind bars.”
ACS chief executive Ed Woodall said: “For too long, dodgy shops have effectively priced in the impact of fines and closure orders that barely make a dent in their operations. We strongly welcome the clear message being sent from the Government that these rogue traders will be shut down for longer, acting as an effective deterrent and backing responsible retailers.
“This announcement is a significant step forward in our campaign to stop rogue traders, but there is much more to do – we will continue to seek further support and funding for Trading Standards to enforce locally, as well as an overhaul in the way that illicit activity is reported.”
Figures from the 2026 ACS Crime Report show that 85% of retailers have seen an increase in illicit activity in their area over the last year, and 25% have seen stolen goods being sold on locally.
- To report sales of illegal tobacco and also any underage sales of tobacco or vapes to your local trading standards use this form
- To report counterfeit or dangerous food or alcohol trading, call the free and anonymous Scottish Food Crime Hotline on 0800 028 7926 or use their online form. Alternatively, you can speak directly in confidence with Food Crime Intelligence Officers by emailing foodcrime@fss.scot
- To report alcohol or tobacco tax fraud or avoidance contact HMRC
