Stephen Morgan MP has launched his “Stop Dodgy Shops” campaign, calling for an end to illicit and exploitative shopping street activity.
Research has found that, in recent years, mini-marts, vape shops, barbers, souvenir stores and other cash-intensive businesses have increasingly been used as fronts for organised crime and tax evasion across Britain, including in Portsmouth.
Additionally, it has been reported that many of these businesses have been ripping off customers by selling unsafe goods and charging inappropriate prices.
Mr Morgan has launched this new campaign in response to the rise of illicit and exploitative shopping street activity that is swindling Portsmouth people and undermining honest local businesses within the city, and following his time on the frontline with Trading Standards and local police on raids to local shops
Action already taken by the Government on this matter since coming into office include:
- Empowering councils in England to say no to new betting shops, vapes stores and fake barbers.
- Handing local people the power to buy beloved assets, helping them turn around derelict pubs, abandoned businesses, and regenerate treasured spaces.
- Introducing a licensing scheme for the retail sale of tobacco, vapes and nicotine products.
The city MP is keen to hear views and ideas on what further action could be taken to prohibit and prosecute illicit activity across Portsmouth’s shopping streets.
Announcing this campaign, Stephen Morgan, MP for Portsmouth South, said:
“In recent years we have seen rogue traders taking advantage of loopholes or weak enforcement and illicit vape shops selling unsafe products to young people. Meanwhile, across the country, fake ‘American Candy’ stores have been able to rip off customers.
“I know from conversations with local people that these shops are both damaging the reputation of our shopping streets and driving away families and shoppers.
“Portsmouth’s shopping areas should not be overrun by fake shops and for criminal activity. Instead, they should be safe, vibrant places for families and communities.
“That’s why I’ve launched my “Stop Dodgy Shops” campaign to build community support to crack down on rogue traders and protect our city’s shopping streets”.
Local people and small businesses are encouraged to sign the city MP’s petition, to do so, click here.
