Local councils across England and Wales will gain expanded powers to block new betting shops, adult gaming centres, and vape stores under government plans announced by Prime Minister Andy Burnham to revitalise high streets that have been hollowed out by decades of decline. According to government announcements, the proposed measures include requiring planning permission for all new e-cigarette shops in England, scrapping the “aim to permit” gambling rule across Great Britain, and extending police closure orders for rogue mini-marts and vape shops up to 12 months.
Planning Law Changes for Vape Shops and Gambling Venues
Under the new proposals outlined by the government, every new shop selling e-cigarettes or vapes in England will be required to apply to its local council for planning permission to open. Ministers are also moving to tighten the legal definition of a vape shop. According to government plans, this change aims to prevent businesses from evading regulations by describing themselves as general convenience stores or retailers.
Furthermore, the government plans to scrap a rule known as “aim to permit,” which currently restricts the ability of local councils across Great Britain to refuse new betting shops and 24-hour slot machine shops. Alongside this change, new adult gaming centres offering round-the-clock access to gambling machines in England will also require specific planning consent, giving local authorities direct control over town centre gambling expansion.
Cracking Down on Organised Crime and Rogue Operators
The policy changes arrive alongside heightened scrutiny of high street storefronts. According to BBC News, investigative reporting has exposed organised crime operating on high streets nationwide, revealing establishments selling illegal cigarettes and vapes, peddling cannabis and cocaine, enabling illegal working, and engaging in suspected money-laundering. Independent data from the National Crime Agency (NCA) estimates that at least £1bn of criminal cash is laundered through UK high street stores each year through fake goods, tax evasion, illegal drug supply, and unlawful employment.
To combat these illicit operations, the government announced new powers allowing police to extend closure orders for mini-marts and vape shops found to be selling illegal tobacco for up to 12 months—a proposal previously proposed by former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated that town centres have become unrecognisable, noting that “the rise of vape shops, betting shops and rogue operators have replaced the shops, services, and community spaces that people are crying out for.”
Did You Know? The National Crime Agency estimates that at least £1bn in criminal cash is laundered annually through UK high street businesses connected to tax evasion, fake goods, illegal working, and drug supply.
Political Reactions and Opposition Concerns
The high street revitalisation package drew mixed responses from political opponents. According to statements from the Conservatives and Reform, the proposals will lead to “more empty” shops, without tax relief for other small businesses.
These policy unveilings coincide with the prime minister’s nationwide journey, during which Downing Street confirmed he will maintain a “listening mode 10-year plan to bring back hope We’re putting communities back in control and giving local people a real say over what opens on their high street.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What new planning rules apply to vape shops?
Based on official government proposals, any newly established retailer offering electronic cigarettes or vamps must seek formal consent from their respective local authority prior to trading (applicable only in England). Additionally, the statutory criteria defining a vape outlet will be reinforced so that establishments cannot circumvent these mandates by branding themselves merely as standard corner shops or general merchants (applicable only in England).
How will gambling venues be affected by the changes?
Authorities intend to eliminate the directive known as “aim to permit,” which presently limits municipal councils’ capability to reject applications for novel wagering outlets and continuous fruit-machine arcades (encompassing all of Great Britain). Additionally, new adult gaming centres, which offer 24-hour access to gambling machines, will require planning permission for new adult gaming centres (England only).
What new powers are being given to tackle illegal operations?
Police will receive new powers to extend closure orders for up to 12 months for mini-marts and vape shops found to be selling illegal tobacco, something previously proposed by former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer (England and Wales).
How will these new planning powers impact the types of businesses seen on your local high street in the coming months?
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