Prime minister Andy Burnham has pledged to hand councils new powers to block vape and betting shops, in a bid to improve the UK’s high streets.
New vape shops will require planning permission, while local authorities will be given more powers to reject new betting shops and adult gaming centres.
Burnham said he would scrap the ‘aim-to-permit’ rule, introduced just over 20 years ago, which requires councils to permit new gambling shops where applications meet licensing requirements.
Burnham said: “The rise of vape shops, betting shops and rogue operators has replaced the shops, services and community spaces people are crying out for.
Andy Burnham
“That’s not on. I said we would improve Britain’s high streets, and that’s exactly what we are starting to do. We’re putting communities back in control and giving local people a real say over what opens on their high street.”
Proposed changes to planning law would mean every new shop selling e-cigarettes or vapes in England would need to apply to their council for permission.
It would also tighten the definition of a vape shop to prevent businesses avoiding the rules by describing themselves as a general convenience store or retailer.
New powers will be granted to extend closure orders for mini-marts and vape shops found to be selling illegal tobacco to up to 12 months, a measure proposed by former prime minister Sir Keir Starmer.
Eamonn O’Brien, chair of the Local Government Association, said the plans were a positive step for councils and high streets.
He added: “Planning is about shaping communities, providing the right kind of economic activity and public services for the people who use them, and ensuring that the right decisions are made on issues that matter to residents.
“Extra powers will help councils in revitalising high streets and shaping their communities, particularly in regulating betting and vaping shops, while also breathing new life into empty premises.”
The Conservatives and Reform said the proposals would lead to “more empty” shops.
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