Councils are set to receive new powers to prevent betting and vape shops from opening on their high streets, according to plans announced by Andy Burnham. Local authorities in England and Wales will be able to reject new betting shops and adult gaming centres. Additionally, vape shops will become subject to planning permission.
The plans, which Downing Street indicates could be in place from early next year, include scrapping the “aim to permit” rule from the Gambling Act 2005. This rule currently requires councils to allow new gambling premises if licensing requirements are met.
A fast-tracked six-week consultation on these new measures is planned, with the goal of implementation by the start of 2027. The government is also considering tightening the definition of a vape shop and introducing provisions to prevent them from opening near schools.