Under new government proposals, any shop selling e‑cigarettes will need planning permission, and local councils will be empowered to curb the establishment of betting outlets, as part of a broader effort to revitalize high streets.
Andy Burnham, the Prime Minister, said town centres have been hollowed out over decades of decline, and many people now find the high streets they grew up with unrecognizable.
BBC News has exposed organized crime on high streets across the country, revealing shops that sell illegal cigarettes and vapes, cannabis and cocaine, and that facilitate illegal working and suspected money‑laundering.
The Conservatives and Reform argued that the proposals could lead to more empty shops and provide no tax relief for other small businesses.
Burnham said the measures will give councils greater power to control which businesses open in town centres.
The proposals come as the prime minister embarks on a UK tour, with Downing Street saying he will be in listening mode during his visits as he works on a ten‑year plan to bring back hope.
The government has announced the following measures:
-
Amendments to planning law will require every new shop selling e‑cigarettes or vapes to apply to their local council for permission to open (England only).
-
The definition of a vape shop will be tightened to prevent businesses from avoiding the rules by describing themselves as a general convenience store or retailer (England only).
-
The “aim to permit” rule, which currently restricts councils’ ability to refuse new betting shops and 24‑hour slot machine shops, will be scrapped (Great Britain-wide).
-
Planning permission will be required for new adult gaming centres that offer 24‑hour access to gambling machines (England only).
-
New powers will allow closure orders for mini‑marts and vape shops found selling illegal tobacco to be extended up to twelve months (England and Wales), a measure previously proposed by former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
The National Crime Agency estimates that at least £1 billion of criminal cash is laundered each year through high‑street stores linked to the sale of fake goods, tax evasion, illegal working and drug supply.
Burnham said the rise of vape shops, betting shops and rogue operators has replaced the shops, services and community spaces that people are crying out for.
He added: “That is unacceptable. I pledged to improve Britain’s high streets, and this is exactly what we are beginning to do.”
“We are restoring community control and giving local residents a real say over what opens on their high street.”