Shops linked to the sale of illegal tobacco, banned vapes and counterfeit goods could face closure for up to a year under proposed government changes welcomed by Rochdale MP Paul Waugh.
Under current legislation, closure orders can last for a maximum of three months. The Government is now consulting on proposals that would allow premises to be shut for up to 12 months.
The proposed changes form part of a wider Home Office crackdown on high street crime and organised criminal activity.
The issue has been a significant focus in Rochdale, where Trading Standards officers and Greater Manchester Police have worked together through Operation Tetbury to target businesses involved in the sale of illegal products.
According to information released by Mr Waugh's office, thirteen closure orders have been secured across the borough during the past year. Enforcement activity has targeted premises selling illegal tobacco, banned vaping products and counterfeit goods.
The MP said some businesses have been able to resume trading quickly after closure orders expire, while in other cases new businesses have opened nearby shortly after enforcement action has been taken.
Rochdale's Trading Standards team has received national recognition for its work. The service was recognised at the national Trading Standards Hero Awards, while officer Dennis Chalmers was recently appointed to lead on serious and organised crime for the Chartered Trading Standards Institute.
Mr Chalmers also contributed to a recent BBC investigation examining businesses allegedly linked to organised criminal activity.
Paul Waugh said, “This is exactly what we have been asking for, and it is a real win for Rochdale. Only last month I wrote to the Home Secretary calling for closure orders to be extended so we can keep these shops shut for good, and I am delighted the Government is now consulting on doing just that.
“For too long our brilliant Trading Standards officers have been stuck in a game of cat and mouse, closing a dodgy shop one week only to see another open a few doors down the next. Keeping these premises shut for longer can help break that cycle, but the powers will only count if they come with the funding to use them and a plan to bring empty units back into good use rather than leaving them boarded up.”
He added that Rochdale officers had played a leading role in tackling the issue locally and nationally.
The MP has also written to Greater Manchester Police seeking assurances that Rochdale will benefit from funding attached to the new High Street Organised Crime Unit, which forms part of a £30 million national initiative.
The Home Office consultation is expected to consider how extended closure powers could be used alongside wider measures aimed at tackling organised criminal activity on high streets.
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