Councils to get more powers to stop vape and betting shops, PM announces
The Prime Minister announced new powers for councils to restrict vape and betting shops to revitalize high streets.Summary
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced plans to grant local councils increased powers to control the types of businesses operating on high streets, specifically targeting vape shops and betting outlets. The measures aim to combat organized crime, including money laundering and the sale of illegal goods, which the National Crime Agency estimates costs the UK £1bn annually.
Key proposals include requiring planning permission for new vape shops in England, tightening definitions to prevent retailers from bypassing rules, and scrapping the "aim to permit" rule to allow councils to refuse new betting shops. The government also plans to extend closure orders for shops selling illegal tobacco.
While the government views these steps as essential to revitalizing town centers, political opponents argue that increased regulations and business rates may lead to more empty storefronts. The plans are part of a broader 10-year strategy to address high street decline and organized crime.
(Source：BBC News)
