Prime Minister Andy Burnham has promised 'big changes' as his political rivals responded to confirmation of a new crackdown against vape shops across the UK. The Prime Minister said that the new rules for setting up new betting and vape shops are being made to give 'local communities the power to turn things around'. His comments arrived as he visited Ilkeston in Derbyshire on Tuesday (August 11).
New Planning Rules for Vape Shops
Mr Burnham noted that high streets 'have been hollowed out, particularly in former industrial areas'. The newly announced changes to planning policy will see retailers who want to set up shop selling e-cigarettes having to ask their local council for permission. Vape shops currently sit in a planning category known as Class E, a broad category which also includes shops, cafes and banks. The shops will now have their own 'sui generis' category, on which the Government will consult.
It's believed that every plan to set up a vape shop will need to go through the new approvals process. Also receiving its own 'sui generis' category is Adult gaming centres. Town halls will have the power to block new arcades. Additionally, the Government proposed reforming the Gambling Act 2005's 'aim to permit' rule. The rule requires councils to generally look favourably on premises licence applications if they meet the expectations set out by the Gambling Commission.
Reactions from Political Rivals
Speaking to reporters hours after the announcement, Mr Burnham said: “There’s a real concern across the country – I felt it in the Makerfield by-election – about high streets that have been hollowed out, particularly in former industrial areas, that have just been in decline for a long time.
“And I want to give local communities the power to turn things around. And that means clamping down on some of the businesses that cause harm in communities and then supporting those that bring life back to our high street.
“So, we are announcing big changes today to give communities more control over planning when it comes to vape shops, adult gaming centres, and also the proliferation of betting shops, by removing the aim to permit.”
Joining the Prime Minister in Ilkeston was Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary Angela Rayner. She stated: “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 crack down on everyday eyesores that blight our high streets.”
Industry and Local Government Response
Max Wilkinson, the Liberal Democrats’ home affairs spokesman, warned that unless the Prime Minister 'beefs up' powers to properly crack down on vape shops and dodgy operators, Burnham’s plans could go up in a puff of smoke'. He said: “Our high streets are in crisis, so rolling the dice and keeping his fingers crossed these minor changes are enough simply won’t win the hand. He should scrap the failed business rates system and urgently give sweeping new powers to councils so high streets can prosper and trading standards officers can permanently shut repeat offenders.”
Reform UK Treasury spokesman Robert Jenrick claimed the reforms would work only 'if the Government and local councils make it attractive for the right kind of shops to open in their place', by lowering the tax burden.
Meanwhile, Mr Burnham’s reforms have also attracted opposition from the Betting and Gaming Council. A spokesperson for the industry body said: “We support tough action against criminal operators and agree local people should have a proper say over their high streets.
“But the suggestion that betting shops are spreading unchecked is simply wrong. Betting shop numbers have fallen by over a third since 2019. Around 3,000 shops have closed and over 15,000 jobs have already been lost. It is wrong to lump highly regulated, licensed betting shops together with rogue or criminal businesses. Betting shops still support 37,500 jobs, bring vital footfall to neighbouring businesses and, for many customers, are valued community hubs.”
Gillian Golden, chief executive of the Independent British Vape Trade Association, noted: “Rogue vape traders on the high street have been a blight on the legitimate sector, so we welcome measures such as extending closure orders on dodgy shops.
“For too long the media have conflated organised criminal networks with law-abiding vape businesses, when in fact these criminals just see illicit vapes as a commodity in the same way as illicit tobacco or counterfeit goods. That has damaged the public’s understanding of our sector.
“Research has shown that if even half of England’s current adult smokers were to switch to vaping, it would save the NHS £0.5 billion. Vaping will be soon be subject to excise duty, which HM Treasury estimates will bring in £0.2 billion in its first partial financial year (2026–27) and £0.6 billion per year by 2030.
“Cutting out illegal trade in vapes will be key in ensuring vaping products duty contributes to the UK economy rather than reinforcing an existing illicit sector.”
Eamonn O’Brien, chairman of the Local Government Association, added: “It is positive that councils and communities will get a greater say on what shops and services are found on their high streets through these changes to the Use Class Order which will require vape shops to acquire planning permission.
“Extra powers will help councils in revitalising high streets and shaping their communities, particularly in regulating betting and vaping shops, while also breathing new life in to empty premises.”
