Burnham to crack down on vape and betting shops

Andy Burnham is preparing to implement a crackdown on vape and betting shops in an effort to rejuvenate British high streets, which the Prime Minister claims have been "hollowed out" over the past few decades. During a speech on Tuesday, Burnham will introduce plans to eliminate the Blair-era "aim to permit" rule, which permits councils to accept planning applications from gambling shops if they meet licensing requirements. Additionally, any new shop selling vapes will be required to obtain planning permission.

The government will also refine the definition of vape shops to prevent businesses from labeling themselves as retailers or convenience stores. Moreover, councils will be granted the authority to prevent vape shops from opening near schools. These measures aim to curb the proliferation of what Burnham labels "rogue operators." The crackdown follows the Prime Minister's cost-of-living tour, which seeks to emphasize his efforts to alleviate financial burdens on British households.

Revitalizing high streets is a central component of the Prime Minister's campaign promise to deliver "growth in every postcode."

Local communities have expressed concerns over the rapid expansion of vape shops and adult gaming centers along their high streets. Under existing regulations, these establishments are treated similarly to coffee shops and clothing retailers in planning applications. Burnham stated, "For many people, the high streets they grew up with have been hollowed out and become unrecognizable due to decades of decline.

The rise of vape shops, betting shops, and rogue operators has replaced the shops, services, and community spaces that people are demanding. That's not acceptable. I stated that we would enhance Britain's high streets, and that's precisely what we are beginning to accomplish. We're empowering communities to regain control and provide local individuals with a genuine voice in what opens on their high streets."

Prime Minister will join housing and communities secretary Angela Rayner in Derbyshire on Tuesday to unveil the new measures. Rayner commented, "People recognize when their high street is not functioning effectively. Whether it's the vape shop or betting shops that have opened without local input, the struggling shopfront, or the perception that no one is in control, these issues have accumulated over years.

This government will not leave councils and communities powerless to address everyday eyesores that tarnish our high streets."

The government asserts that the new policies may be enacted as early as the beginning of next year. The New West End Company, representing the leisure, retail, and hospitality businesses in the area, welcomed the increased powers as a "critical step forward." Kate Boothman Meier, the company's director of corporate affairs, said, "For too long, planning loopholes have enabled the proliferation of low-quality retail businesses that can undermine the vitality and appeal of our high streets.

We have witnessed firsthand the impact of businesses, councils, and the police collaborating to tackle undesirable uses and create a destination that people desire to visit, shop, work, and spend time in." However, the New West End Company urged Burnham to reform the business rates system, which Meier contends "created the conditions" for vape and betting shops to dominate the high streets.