The government has announced measures to curb the growth of vape and betting shops on British high streets, including a requirement that vape retailers obtain planning permission before opening and a tightened legal definition of a vape shop to prevent shops bypassing rules by describing themselves as general retailers.
New powers for councils and policing measures
Ministers said the reforms will also target large betting shops and businesses they described as "rogue", while handing local authorities fresh tools to tackle shopfronts and premises associated with organised crime. The proposals include revoking a provision of the Gambling Act known as the "Aim to Permit" rule, which currently limits councils' ability to refuse new betting shops and 24‑hour slot machine venues even where there are strong local objections.
In addition, ministers will extend the maximum period for closure orders — used while authorities investigate suspect premises — from six months to a year. The government said the longer period will give police and local councils more time to probe properties linked to organised crime.
"Local councils will be given the powers they need to rein in unwanted shops and bring town centres back to life," the Prime Minister said.
Reasons cited and research cited by ministers
The package was presented as part of a wider bid to reverse what ministers described as "decades of decline" on high streets and to restore pride in town centres. Authorities will be encouraged to improve the look of shopping areas by addressing poor‑quality shopfronts, garish neon signs and oversized logos, changes ministers say residents have complained about.
The government highlighted research by the Centre for Social Justice showing that the number of vape and tobacco shops has risen by more than 2,000 nationwide since 2016, while the number of pubs and bars has fallen by almost 1,800.
| Metric | Change since 2016 |
|---|---|
| Vape and tobacco shops | +2,000+ |
| Pubs and bars | -1,800 |
Political context and local impact
Ministers said the measures will give local councils the authority to refuse new openings they judge harmful to town centres. The government also plans to prevent businesses from avoiding controls by reclassifying themselves; it will tighten the statutory description of a vape shop so owners cannot simply label their premises as a convenience store.
Officials suggested the steps are intended to respond to both economic pressures on high streets — such as rising costs and the shift to online shopping — and public concern about the changing character of town centres. A government briefing pointed to complaints about shopfronts and signage as contributing to a less welcoming street environment.
Ministers also drew on research indicating that political support for Reform UK had been increasing most in areas that had experienced acute high‑street decline, an observation used to underscore the wider social and political stakes of the policy.
What councils will get and next steps
Under the proposals, local authorities will be given greater scope to control the mix of shops and the appearance of retail premises. The revocation of the Gambling Act's "Aim to Permit" rule will alter the planning landscape for betting operators and allow councils to refuse applications where there are recorded community concerns.
- Vape shops will require planning permission and face a more exacting legal definition.
- Gambling rules — the "Aim to Permit" provision — will be revoked to give councils more discretion.
- Closure orders can be extended from six months to one year for investigations.
Ministers said they will work with councils on implementation and on programmes to improve high‑street appearance. The announcement does not set out a timetable for the statutory changes or for when local planning authorities will formally be required to apply the new tests.
Opposition reaction and responses from local government remain to be seen. The proposals are likely to be subject to further detail in statutory instruments or guidance, and to consultation where required by planning and gambling legislation.
