Recommendation 44

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)