New Plans Give Councils More Power Over Vape and Betting Shops
The government is planning to give local councils greater control over which businesses can open on high streets, including new vape shops, betting shops and adult gaming centres.
Under the proposed changes, new vape shops in England would need planning permission before opening. Councils would also have greater powers to prevent new betting shops and 24-hour gambling venues from opening in town centres.
The plans come as Prime Minister Andy Burnham says many of Britain’s high streets have been “hollowed out” after decades of decline. He argues that town centres across the country have changed dramatically, leaving many communities without the shops, services and social spaces they once relied on.
Recent BBC News investigations have also highlighted concerns about organised crime operating through high street businesses. These investigations found examples of shops allegedly selling illegal cigarettes and vapes, dealing in drugs, facilitating illegal working and being linked to suspected money laundering.
What are the government proposing?
The government has outlined several changes designed to give councils more say over the businesses operating in their local areas.
These include:
- Planning permission for new vape shops: In England, businesses that want to open a shop primarily selling e-cigarettes or vapes would have to apply to their local council for planning permission.
- A clearer definition of vape shops: The rules would be tightened to stop businesses avoiding planning requirements by presenting themselves as convenience stores or general retailers.
- Greater control over betting shops: The government plans to remove the existing “aim to permit” rule, which currently limits councils’ ability to refuse applications for new betting shops and 24-hour slot machine venues.
- Planning permission for adult gaming centres: New adult gaming centres in England, which can provide round-the-clock access to gambling machines, would also require planning permission.
- Longer closure orders: In England and Wales, councils would receive new powers to extend closure orders on mini-marts and vape shops found to be selling illegal tobacco for up to 12 months.
The government says the measures are designed to put communities back in control of their high streets and make it harder for businesses involved in illegal activity to operate.
Concerns about crime on the high street
The issue goes beyond planning and the appearance of town centres. There are growing concerns about the role some high street businesses can play in organised crime.
The National Crime Agency estimates that at least £1bn of criminal money is laundered through UK high street stores each year. This is linked to activities including counterfeit goods, tax evasion, illegal working and the supply of illegal drugs.
Burnham said the growth of vape shops, betting outlets and rogue businesses had contributed to the loss of traditional shops and community spaces.
He said the government wanted to give local people “a real say over what opens on their high street”, arguing that communities should have more influence over how their town centres develop.
Housing Secretary Angela Rayner has also highlighted public concerns about vape and gambling businesses opening close to schools, particularly where there are concerns about links to crime and illegal activity.
A new direction for Britain’s high streets?
The proposals form part of a wider government programme aimed at revitalising Britain’s struggling town centres. Downing Street says the prime minister’s UK tour is part of a period of “listening mode” as the government develops a long-term plan to restore confidence and investment in communities.
However, the proposals have already attracted criticism from the Conservatives and Reform, who argue that restricting certain businesses could result in more vacant shops unless the government also provides greater tax relief and support for other small businesses.
The debate highlights a wider question facing Britain’s high streets: how can town centres attract investment and new businesses while protecting communities from crime, excessive gambling and poorly regulated retail outlets?
For councils, the proposed planning changes could provide greater control over the mix of businesses on their high streets. For local residents, the hope is that this could eventually lead to town centres that offer more useful services, stronger communities and safer places to shop, work and spend time.