Burnham Promises Crackdown On Vape And Betting Shops

Andy Burnham has promised to save “hollowed out high streets” by cracking down on vape and betting shops.

The prime minister plans to scrap the outdated the Gambling Act’s “aim to permit” rule in his bid to cut back on the number of businesses which do little to serve their local communities.

This law, dating back to 2005, encourages licensing authorities to err on the side of granting betting shops and gaming venues space on the high street.

Businesses tied to organised crime will also be shut down for a longer period.

Closure orders will double in length from six to 12 months, giving police and local authorities more time to pursue prosecution.

The definition of a vape shop will be tightened too so companies are less able to find loopholes by claiming to be a general convenience store or retailer.

Adult Gaming Centres – offering up to 24-hour access to gambling machines – will need planning permission under proposals due to come into effect at the start of next year, as well.

It’s all part of the prime minister’s plan to strengthen local communities and give Brits a greater sense of pride in their home towns.

Analysis by the Centre for Social Justice found Britain lost nearly 1,800 pubs and bars while the number of vape and tobacco shops increased to almost 2,200 between 2016 and 2026.

The government plans to work with councils to improve the appearance of high streets too, following complaints over poor-quality shopfronts, garish neon signs and oversized logos.

It intends to work with the Planning Advisory Service to spot the best examples of thriving town centres and offer councils guidance on how to improve their high streets.

These interventions come along with a £30 million crackdown on money laundering, tax evasion, illegal working along with raids, shop closures and cash seizures.

The prime minister said: “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. Local councils will be given the powers they need to rein in unwanted shops and bring town centres back to life.”

He said “Westminster has stood by” while high streets fall into decline, and he would be “bringing back hope across Britain”.

Communities secretary Angela Rayner said: “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.

“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.

“That’s why we’re giving local leaders the power to say no to what doesn’t belong on their high street, and the tools to fix it themselves.”

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