UK high street crackdown on vape and betting shops

Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced a crackdown on vape shops, betting shops, and rogue businesses as part of a plan to revitalize British high streets. The measures include requiring planning permission for new vape shops and adult gaming centres, revoking the Gambling Act 2005's 'Aim to Permit' rule to give councils more power to refuse betting shops, doubling the maximum closure order duration from six to twelve months, and tightening the definition of vape shops to prevent loopholes. The government also plans to support councils in improving shopfront design and signage. These actions build on earlier measures such as a 20% business rates cut for pubs and a £30 million unit to tackle rogue businesses. The proposals have drawn criticism from opposition figures Mel Stride, Daisy Cooper, and Robert Jenrick, who argue they may lead to more empty shops without broader tax relief. Support came from Angela Rayner, Claire Ward, and the New West End Company. Data from the Centre for Social Justice shows a decline in pubs and a rise in vape shops, while the United Kingdom — National Crime Agency estimates significant money laundering through high street stores.