Trade bodies and retailers have broadly welcomed today’s announcement by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood of new powers to close businesses such as mini-marts, corner stores and other premises found to be breaking the law for up to 12 months.
Previously, authorities could only issue a closure order for up to three months, with an option to extend to six if there was evidence of anti-social behaviour.
Speaking on the news, the Association of Convenience Stores’ (ACS) chief executive, Ed Woodall (left), said it was a win for responsible retailers: “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…”
”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’s much more to do - We’ll 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.”
The Federation of Independent Retailers (The Fed) was also quick to welcome the news today. National president, Hetal Patel (right), said: “As responsible retailers, Fed members are hit hard by rogue trading and organised crime undermining legitimate retail.
“It diverts trade from those who play by the rules, but also puts honest, law abiding shop owners at risk of being unfairly tarred with the same brush, undermining the close relationship we have with our customers.
“The Fed has identified concerns about this challenge for a number of years, but particularly in recent months, including in a meeting I had with the Crime & Police Minister, Sarah Jones MP, at the Home Office in December.
“We’re glad that the Government is taking this matter forward and welcome the message this will send to those who break the law.”
“Fed members across the country have also met with their local MPs and PCCs to raise the issue and call for action. We’re glad that the Government is taking this matter forward and welcome the message this will send to those who break the law.”
Also welcoming the announcement, Dr Marina Murphy, senior director of scientific affairs at vape retailer Haypp, said: “This is a welcome step from the government. Too often, we hear of corner shops or mini-marts caught by the authorities selling illicit products simply carrying on with their illegal activities immediately afterwards.
“The penalty for the illegal activity was simply not a deterrent. This has been a source of frustration for both enforcement authorities and responsible retailers. The potential to issue a 12-month closure order on a business is a much more significant penalty and will make those engaged in illegal behaviour think twice.”
Meanwhile, Andrew Goodacre (left), CEO of the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira), said: “We welcome this new initiative to tackle illicit shops on high streets throughout the UK. For too long the problem has been ignored, and legitimate independent retailers have been left to compete alongside businesses that are, in effect, funded by criminal activity.
“We’re keen to understand when these new powers will come into force - our members need them as soon as possible.”
Goodacre also called for the landlord community to be brought into the response. “We’d like to see landlords engaged on this issue and, where necessary, mandated to carry out greater due diligence on prospective tenants and the source of their funds before agreeing a lease. Closing the door on criminal operators at the point of entry would make enforcement far easier further down the line.”
Chief executive at the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI), John Herriman, also praised the decision. “CTSI welcomes the Government’s intent to strengthen enforcement powers across England and Wales, particularly regarding Closure Orders, which is an issue we have been actively campaigning on recently. Closure Orders are a key enforcement tool for Trading Standards Officers in tackling ‘dodgy shops’ but our members have made us aware of challenges that limit their current impact.
“Strengthening enforcement powers, including extending the duration of Closure Orders, is an important first step in addressing those issues. Stronger enforcement powers will allow officers more time to investigate criminality, will prevent criminals from using a premises to break the law and, crucially, will safeguard local communities from the serious risk these groups pose.
“CTSI is encouraged by the Government’s intent to strengthen enforcement powers, and we look forward to engaging with the consultation process to ensure the powers are as robust as possible to help crack down on criminals and safeguard local communities.”
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