The prime minister has promised a crackdown on vape shops, betting shops and rogue businesses on local high streets and announced new powers to tackle the issue.
The measures aim to put communities back in control of their high streets by giving local people a real say over what businesses can open in their town centres and how local high streets should look.
There will also be tougher powers for the police and local authorities to crack down on rogue operators.
The PM is planning to revoke the Gambling Act’s Aim to Permit” rule, which, he says currently restricts the ability of councils to refuse new betting shops and 24-hour slot machine shops even where there are strong local concerns.
Other changes will mean that vape shops will need planning permission, giving local people and councils a say over whether they open and to also stop them opening near schools.
The definition of a vape shop will also be tightened to stop businesses getting around the new rules by claiming to be a general convenience store or retailer.
Adult Gaming Centres (AGCs), which are adult-only venues offering up to 24-hour access to gambling machines such as slot and fruit machines, will also require planning permission.
Research by the Centre for Social Justice shows that the number of vape and tobacco shops has increased to almost 2,200 since 2016.
In the London Borough of Brent there are more than 80 gambling venues and inn Harlesden in particular, there are 10 betting shops within a 10-minute walk.
The maximum length of Closure Orders will also double from six to 12 months, giving police and local authorities more time to investigate premises linked to organised crime, pursue prosecutions, and prevent rogue businesses reopening before investigations are complete.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: “For many people, the high streets they grew up with have been hollowed out and become unrecognisable over decades of decline. The rise of vape shops, betting shops and rogue operators have replaced the shops, services, and community spaces that people are crying out for.
“That’s not on. I said we would improve Britain’s high streets, and that’s exactly what we are starting to do. We’re putting communities back in control and giving local people a real say over what opens on their high street. Local councils will be given the powers they need to rein in unwanted shops and bring town centres back to life.
“High streets are the beating heart of local communities, but for too long Westminster has stood by while they have been in decline. This government is committed to restoring our high streets and bringing back hope across Britain.”
Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Angela Rayner said: “People know when their high street isn’t working for them. Whether it’s the vape shop or betting shops that’s opened with no say from locals, the shopfront that’s seen better days, or the sense that nobody’s in control.
“These problems have built up over years, but this government won’t leave councils and communities powerless to crackdown on everyday eyesores that blight our high streets.
“That’s why we’re giving local leaders the power to say no to what doesn’t belong on their high street, and the tools to fix it themselves.”
