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Introduce amendments to the Anti-social Behaviour Act to strengthen local authority closure order powers.

Recommendation
The Government should introduce the following amendments to the Anti- social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014: • Give all local authorities, including county councils, explicit powers to issue closure orders, with an option of permanent closure for the premises of persistent offenders. • In cases where the ultimate owner of a property is not identified, closure orders should be in place until their identity can be established. • Allow simultaneous closure orders on multiple premises that have a proven link. • Penalties should be applied to owners of properties where those responsible for the business are different and the owner cannot demonstrate adequate due diligence. (Recommendation, Paragraph 161)
Addressee Bodies
Department for Business and Trade
Timeline
Recommendation age 0.3 yrs
Report published 11 Feb 2026