Burnham to Tighten Rules on Vape Shops and Betting Outlets in High Street Overhaul
PM Andy Burnham will unveil plans to regulate vape shops and betting outlets, giving local authorities more power over high street businesses.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham is set to announce a new package of measures on Tuesday aimed at revitalising Britain's high streets, with a focus on tightening regulations around vape shops, betting outlets, and other businesses that have raised local concerns.
The initiative, confirmed by his office on Monday, will grant local communities a stronger voice in deciding which businesses can operate in their town centres. It will also equip police and local authorities with additional enforcement powers.
A key change will see the removal of a rule that currently limits councils' ability to reject new betting shops, even in cases where there is significant local opposition. Additionally, new vape shops and adult gaming centres will now be subject to planning permission requirements.
To address organised crime, the government will extend the maximum duration of closure orders for properties linked to such activity from six months to twelve, giving investigators more time to build cases.
This announcement follows a series of recent measures by Burnham's administration, including cuts to tax on domestic electricity bills, a cap on bus fares, and reduced business rates for pubs, clubs, and live music venues.