New powers to shut down ‘dodgy’ vape shops and barbers for a year
Police will gain expanded powers to shut down businesses linked to organized crime for up to a year.Summary
The UK government is introducing new legislation to double the maximum closure period for businesses linked to organized crime, such as vape shops and barbers, from six months to a year. This change aims to provide investigators with more time to gather evidence and pursue prosecutions. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated that high streets have been hijacked by criminal gangs operating in plain sight, and she has launched a nationwide crackdown. The new powers are expected to be implemented by year-end following consultation. Separately, officials are reviewing the inclusion of certain businesses on the skilled-worker sponsorship list due to concerns about visa system abuse. The move comes as Trading Standards reports that organized crime groups are suspected of operating through a significant portion of convenience stores and vape retailers.
(Source：Yahoo! News)
