UK gives councils more power over betting, vape shops
August 12, 2026 6:40 am
Andy Burnham gestures after being confirmed as the Labour Party’s new leader and the country’s next prime minister, during ‘Labour’s Special Conference’ in central London on July 17, 2026. (Photo by Henry Nicholls / POOL / AFP)
Residents across Britain could soon have more say over whether vape shops, betting shops and adult gaming centres open on their local high streets, under new measures announced by Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
The proposals are aimed at helping communities reshape town centres that the government says have been “hollowed out” by years of decline and the spread of businesses that residents do not want in their neighbourhoods.
The measures were announced in a statement by the Prime Minister’s Office and 10 Downing Street titled “PM vows to save ‘hollowed out high streets’ with crackdown on vape and betting shops,” published on Tuesday in the home office website.
Under the proposals, councils would gain greater powers to refuse new betting shops, while vape shops and adult gaming centres would be required to obtain planning permission before opening.
The government also plans to scrap the Gambling Act’s “Aim to Permit” rule, which currently limits councils’ ability to reject new betting shops and 24-hour slot machine shops even where there are strong local concerns.
The change is intended to give residents and councils a greater say over what opens on their high streets and help prevent betting shops from spreading unchecked across struggling town centres.
Vape shops would also require planning permission, including where they are proposed near schools.
The government plans to tighten the definition of a vape shop to prevent businesses from avoiding the new requirements by describing themselves as convenience stores or general retailers.
Adult Gaming Centres, which provide adult-only access to gambling machines, would also require planning permission under proposals expected to take effect at the beginning of next year.
Burnham said the changes were intended to give communities back control of high streets that had changed dramatically over the years.
“For many people, the high streets they grew up with have been hollowed out and become unrecognisable over decades of decline. The rise of vape shops, betting shops and rogue operators have replaced the shops, services, and community spaces that people are crying out for.
“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,” he said.
He added: “High streets are the beating heart of local communities, but for too long Westminster has stood by while they have been in decline. This government is committed to restoring our high streets and bringing back hope across Britain.”
The government is also proposing to double the maximum length of Closure Orders from six to 12 months.
The longer orders would give police and local authorities more time to investigate premises linked to organised crime, pursue prosecutions and prevent businesses from reopening while investigations are ongoing.
The power could be used against businesses including illegal vape shops and businesses described by the government as “dodgy barber shops”.
Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary Angela Rayner said residents knew when their high streets were no longer working for them.
“People know when their high street isn’t working for them. Whether it’s the vape shop or betting shops that’s opened with no say from locals, the shopfront that’s seen better days, or the sense that nobody’s in control,” she said.
“These problems have built up over years, but this government won’t leave councils and communities powerless to crackdown on everyday eyesores that blight our high streets.”
The government said it would also work with councils to improve the appearance of high streets, including shopfronts, signs and other features that can make town centres less welcoming.
It will work with the Planning Advisory Service to identify examples of attractive and thriving town centres and provide councils with practical guidance on improving their local high streets.
The proposals form part of the government’s wider plan to restore pride in local communities, shift decision-making from Westminster to local areas and encourage people to return to town centres.
Tosin Oyediran is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over eight years of professional experience in reporting and storytelling. He is known for conducting incisive interviews and producing compelling human-angle stories that bring clarity and depth to the news. Tosin covers a broad range of beats including politics, health, advocacy, sports, and entertainment, with a strong focus on people-centred reporting. His work reflects firsthand newsroom experience, editorial insight, and a commitment to accurate, engaging, and trustworthy journalism.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Contact: [email protected]