Illegal mini-marts could be shut for up to 12 months under new law change

Illegal mini-marts linked to organised crime could be forced to shut their doors for up to 12 months under new legislation announced by the Government.

The move follows a series of BBC investigations into criminal activity operating openly on Britain’s high streets, with ministers pledging tougher action against businesses suspected of selling illicit goods or acting as fronts for wider criminal enterprises.

Under existing rules in England and Wales, authorities can secure closure orders for premises for a maximum of six months. The proposed changes would double that period to a full year, giving investigators more time to gather evidence and pursue those believed to be orchestrating the operations behind the scenes.

The crackdown extends beyond mini-marts and is expected to target other businesses that have come under scrutiny in recent years, including some vape shops, barber shops and nail salons suspected of involvement in offences ranging from the sale of illegal tobacco and vapes to money laundering and immigration crime.

Announcing the plans, ministers said criminal gangs had “hijacked” high streets by operating in plain sight through seemingly legitimate businesses.

The Home Office said the extended closure powers are designed to prevent rogue operators from simply reopening before lengthy investigations have concluded. Officials argue that current restrictions often allow unlawful activity to resume while police and trading standards teams continue building cases.

The legislation forms part of a wider strategy aimed at tackling organised crime on Britain’s high streets. Ministers have announced £30 million in additional funding to strengthen enforcement efforts, with police and trading standards officers expected to carry out thousands of raids, make hundreds of arrests and seize millions of pounds in criminal assets.

The Government has also ordered an urgent review of whether businesses such as vape shops, barbers and car washes should remain on the skilled worker sponsorship list, amid concerns that some operators may be exploiting the immigration system. Businesses found to be abusing sponsorship rules could face the loss of their licences.

Trading standards leaders welcomed the proposed reforms, saying stronger closure powers would give officers more time to investigate complex cases and prevent repeat offending.

The proposed law change is expected to be introduced through secondary legislation later this year, following consultation with interested parties. If approved, it would mark one of the most significant expansions of closure powers available to authorities tackling high street crime in recent years.