11 June 2026
Bira has welcomed government plans to introduce new legislation giving police and councils enhanced powers to shut down criminal businesses on the high street.
The Home Secretary last week (June 9) announced a nationwide crackdown on organised crime operating from high street premises including vape shops, barbers, nail salons and mini-marts, backed by £30 million in new funding. New secondary legislation to extend the maximum duration of closure orders is expected to be introduced by the end of 2026, alongside a new High Street Organised Crime Unit to coordinate the response across government.
Andrew Goodacre, CEO of 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 are keen to understand when these new powers will come into force - our members need them as soon as possible."
Mr Goodacre also called for the landlord community to be brought into the response. "We would 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."
The NCA estimates that at least £12 billion of criminal cash is generated in the UK each year, with around £1 billion laundered through high street businesses.
Bira said it would engage with the forthcoming consultation process and continue to press for the earliest possible implementation of the new measures.
Bira's advocacy takes your voice to the heart of Parliament
Bira is at the forefront of championing the cause of independent traders and shopkeepers across Britain.
Our campaigns cover a wide spectrum of issues crucial to the success of independent traders including:
- Combatting the rising tide of retail crime
- Advocating for changes in legislation that promote fairness and flexibility
- Fighting for fairer business rates
- Overall reducing the regulatory burden
Listen to our podcast special on retail crime...
Step inside the mind of shop thieves as leading criminologist Professor Emmeline Taylor and Bira CEO Andrew Goodacre reveal the psychology driving retail crime.
Access an exclusive discount on this innovative stock security solution
Bira members receive 10% off their order by simply requesting a quote from Chirp Protect.
Click the link below to get started.
Image credit: Novanture/stock.adobe.com
Latest News
Read more-
Government funding boost welcomed by independent retailers
Independent retailers have welcomed government plans to expand access to finance for small businesses, after the Chancellor confirmed a significant scaling up of support through the British Business Bank.
-
The Gift & Lifestyle Consortium reaches its optimistic first six-month target
A leading independent retailers association has marked the six-month milestone of a new industry partnership set up to support the gift, lifestyle and home sectors.
-
Bira mourns death of former President John Lawson
Bira has warned that a new cap on Royal Mail's daily business collection capacity could cause serious problems for small retailers during the most important trading period of the year.
-
Royal Mail collection cap risks hitting small retailers at the busiest time of year, says Bira
Bira has warned that a new cap on Royal Mail's daily business collection capacity could cause serious problems for small retailers during the most important trading period of the year.