Illegal mini-marts to shut for up to 12 months under law change prompted by BBC
Summary
The UK government will introduce new rules allowing illegal mini-marts, barbers, and vape shops to be closed for up to 12 months to fight crimes linked to these businesses. The change comes after BBC News exposed serious problems like drug dealing, child exploitation, and money laundering connected to these shops.Key Facts
- Current law only allows shops to be closed for 3 months, extendable to 6 months; new law will allow closures up to 12 months.
- Illegal shops are linked to crimes such as drug gangs, child sexual exploitation, money laundering, and immigration offenses.
- Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood says the government will not tolerate crime affecting local communities and democracy.
- Extended closures help police gather evidence, prosecute offenders, and stop illegal shops from reopening quickly.
- Trading Standards officers support the new rules, as they currently lack strong enough powers to deal with these shops.
- Police raids in Birmingham found illegal cigarettes, drugs, and dangerous weapons in mini-marts.
- Officers describe high crime levels on Soho Road in Birmingham, including drug sales, weapons, prostitution, and violence.
- Counterfeit cigarettes are sold at very low prices compared to genuine packs, encouraging illegal business.
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