New vape shops will need planning permission and councils will gain stronger powers to block betting shops under government plans unveiled by the Prime Minister to revive struggling high streets across Britain.
Planning permission now required for vape shops
Under the proposals, every new shop selling e-cigarettes in England will have to apply to its local council for permission to open. The definition of a vape shop will also be tightened to stop businesses dodging the rules by labelling themselves general convenience stores.
‘Aim to permit’ rule scrapped for betting shops
The government will scrap the so-called “aim to permit” rule, which currently restricts councils’ ability to refuse new betting shops and 24-hour slot-machine outlets. The change applies across Great Britain, giving local authorities a firmer hand in shaping their town centres.
Clampdown on illegal tobacco
New powers will let councils extend closure orders for mini-marts and vape shops caught selling illegal tobacco for up to twelve months, building on powers previously proposed by former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
The BBC investigations that shaped the plan
The Prime Minister said the measures were “shaped” by a series of BBC News investigations exposing organised crime on high streets – shops selling illegal cigarettes, vapes, cannabis and cocaine, enabling illegal working and suspected money-laundering. Operation Vulcan in Cheetham Hill, Greater Manchester, was cited as proof of what coordinated action can achieve.
High streets ‘hollowed out’, says Burnham
“Town centres have been hollowed out by decades of decline,” the Prime Minister said, describing high streets many grew up with as “unrecognisable”. He insisted the decline was not “inevitable” and promised the “strongest possible neighbourhood policing” to root out criminal behaviour.
Opposition concerns over empty shops
The Conservatives and Reform warned the plans could leave “more empty” shops without tax relief for other small businesses. Shadow communities secretary Sir James Cleverly said once-treasured shops had been replaced by “a smattering of rogue operators”.
The £30m enforcement operation
The proposals sit alongside a £30m enforcement drive targeting high street businesses suspected of money-laundering, tax evasion and illegal working. The National Crime Agency estimates at least £1bn of criminal cash is laundered through UK high street stores each year.
Outlook
As the Prime Minister tours the country in “listening mode” ahead of a 10-year plan to “bring back hope”, councils will be watching closely to see whether the new planning powers translate into cleaner, safer and busier town centres.
Source: Original report. Rewrite for Your News Website.
