Global Markets
Home›Global Markets›Trade & Tariffs›England and Wales to require planning permission for v…
England and Wales to require planning permission for vape shops
The plan would also expand local authorities' ability to block new betting shops, with measures targeted to be in place by the start of 2027.
The UK government is proposing new local powers that would change how vape and betting outlets can open on high streets in England and Wales. Under the plans announced by Andy Burnham, vape shops would be subject to planning permission, and councils would be able to reject new betting shops and adult gaming centres.
Burnham also said he would scrap the “aim to permit” rule in the Gambling Act 2005, a change that would mark a departure from gambling reforms introduced by his predecessor, Keir Starmer, in April. Those earlier changes gave councils more ability to consider the number of gambling premises in an area but stopped short of removing the requirement to allow new gambling premises when licensing requirements are met.
According to the report, the push is aimed at giving communities more control over high street changes as traditional shops and services have declined while vape and gambling outlets have expanded. A No 10 source said the government wants to crack down because vape and betting shops are among the most visible signs of high street decline, and that local concerns are driving the effort.
The proposals include a fast-tracked consultation expected to take six weeks, with the aim of putting the measures in place by the start of 2027. The plans are positioned as part of Burnham’s broader focus on delivering tangible changes people can see in their everyday lives, the report adds.