Police are set to gain significantly expanded powers to shut down businesses linked to organised crime, including vape shops, barbers, and nail salons, for up to a year.
New legislation, expected later this year, will double the current maximum closure period of six months.
The Home Office notes existing rules often allow businesses to reopen before investigations conclude.
These extended temporary closure orders aim to give investigators more time to gather evidence, pursue prosecutions, and identify criminal figures operating behind such fronts.
The government plans to introduce secondary legislation to implement these powers by year-end, following consultation.
Separately, officials are urgently reviewing the inclusion of vape shops, barbers, and car washes on the skilled-worker sponsorship list, amid concerns over potential visa system abuse.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: “High streets across the country have been hijacked by criminal gangs operating in plain sight – running vape stores, 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.”
John Herriman, chief executive at the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, said: “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.”
The news comes as Trading Standards revealed organised crime groups are suspected of operating through as many as half of convenience stores and vape retailers in some parts of the UK.
The Hidden In Plain Sight report also suggests that up to a third of American candy stores and a quarter of fast food takeaways in specific areas may be fronts for illegal activities.
A survey conducted by the organisation found that a staggering 97 per cent of its officers are aware of suspected criminal operations within retail premises on their local high streets.
There is “almost universal recognition” – from 99 per cent of officers – that there has been a significant rise in cash-intensive businesses opening since 2020.
Meanwhile, nearly three-quarters (72 per cent) of Trading Standards professionals have reported experiencing intimidation or threats of violence while carrying out their duties.
