Prime Minister proposes new council powers to curb vape and betting outlets on high streets

During a UK tour, Prime Minister Andy Burnham unveiled a package of reforms intended to restore vitality to town centres. In England, every new vape shop will have to obtain planning consent, and the legal definition of a vape retailer will be narrowed to prevent businesses from rebranding as general stores. The existing “aim to permit” rule that curtails council refusals for betting shops and 24-hour slot-machine venues across Great Britain will be scrapped, while adult gaming centres will also face planning scrutiny.

Councils will gain authority to extend closure orders on mini-markets and vape shops found selling illegal tobacco for up to twelve months, a power previously suggested by former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. The proposals respond to one outlet's investigations linking high-street outlets to organised crime, money-laundering and drug distribution, with the National Crime Agency estimating at least £1 billion of illicit cash flows annually.

Critics from the Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, Reform UK and the Green Party argue the plan could increase vacancy rates unless broader business-rate reforms accompany it. The Betting and Gaming Council welcomed tougher action against criminal operators but disputed claims that betting shops are proliferating unchecked.