The government’s planned measures aim to reverse decades of decline that officials say have left town centres hollowed out
and local high streets unrecognisable.
Government Unveils Sweeping Reforms to Curb Vape and Betting Shops
Under the proposed reforms, every new shop intending to sell e-cigarettes or vapes in England will be required to apply to its local council for planning permission. Currently, vape shops fall under the same broader planning category as standard shops, cafes, and banks, allowing them to open without dedicated planning approval.
To prevent retailers from bypassing these new restrictions, the government also intends to tighten the formal definition of a vape shop so that businesses cannot evade rules by masquerading as general convenience stores.
Scrapping the Gambling ‘Aim to Permit’ Rule
The government’s strategy includes major changes to gambling premises regulation across Great Britain. Prime Minister Burnham announced plans to scrap the aim to permit
rule established under the Gambling Act 2005. That rule has historically required local authorities to approve new gambling applications provided they met basic licensing requirements, severely limiting a council’s ability to refuse new betting outlets.
In addition to removing that restriction, the reforms will require planning permission for new adult gaming centres that offer 24-hour access to slot and fruit machines.
The proposed changes represent a marked shift from policies introduced in April, which gave councils slightly more scope to weigh the existing concentration of gambling premises but stopped short of eliminating the aim to permit
provision.
Crackdown on Organised Crime and Rogue Operators
Officials stated that the regulatory shake-up is designed to combat illegal activity, money laundering, and rogue operators operating within town centres.
Under the new measures, police and local authorities will be granted powers to extend closure orders for mini-marts and vape shops found to be selling illegal tobacco or other illicit goods from six months to up to twelve months. This extended timeframe is intended to prevent rogue businesses from reopening while investigations are ongoing.
Furthermore, the government will collaborate with local authorities to tackle poor-quality shopfronts, garish neon signs, and oversized logos to make town centres more visually welcoming.
Consultation Timeline and Wider Reaction
The proposed regulatory reforms will be subjected to a fast-tracked, six-week consultation process, with the objective of implementing the new measures by the start of 2027.
Research highlights sharp disparities in the distribution of these outlets. Data from Health Equity North indicates that the most deprived communities host three times as many vape shops as the most affluent areas. Meanwhile, analysis by the Centre for Social Justice shows that the number of vape and tobacco shops across the UK has risen to nearly 2,200 since 2016, whereas the number of operating pubs and bars has declined by almost 1,800.
The Centre for Social Justice welcomed the initiative. Joshua Nicholson, head of housing and communities at the think tank, stated that the Government is right to give councils new powers to say no to these dodgy shops
and that high street renewal remains vital for community security.
Conversely, political opposition and industry representatives expressed concern. The Conservatives and Reform criticized the proposals, warning they could lead to an increase in empty shops without providing tax relief for small businesses. Betting industry representatives also cautioned that licensed bookmakers support tens of thousands of jobs and generate essential footfall for neighbouring businesses.
