Councils could be given greater control over the opening of vape shops, betting shops and adult gaming centres under measures to be announced by the Prime Minister on Tuesday, August 11.
The proposals would change planning and licensing rules and extend the powers available to police and local authorities when dealing with premises linked to criminal activity.
The Government intends to revoke the Gambling Act’s “aim to permit” rule, which limits councils’ ability to refuse applications for betting shops and premises offering slot machines.
Removing the rule would allow councils to place greater weight on local concerns when considering applications for new gambling venues.
Vape shops would also require planning permission, giving councils control over where they can open, including near schools.
The legal definition of a vape shop would be tightened to prevent businesses from avoiding the proposed requirements by registering as convenience stores or general retailers.
Adult gaming centres, which are adult-only premises offering gambling machines such as slot and fruit machines, would also require planning permission under proposals expected to take effect at the beginning of next year.
Vape shops and adult gaming centres can currently open without seeking separate planning permission because they fall within the same planning category as businesses including coffee shops and clothing retailers.
Analysis by the Centre for Social Justice found that Britain had lost almost 1,800 pubs and bars since 2016, while the number of vape and tobacco shops had risen to almost 2,200.
Concerns have also been raised about concentrations of gambling premises, particularly in more deprived areas. The London Borough of Brent has more than 80 gambling venues, including 10 betting shops within a 10-minute walk in Harlesden.
The maximum duration of Closure Orders would also increase from six months to 12 months.
These orders can be used by police and councils to close premises associated with criminal activity or serious nuisance. The extension would give authorities more time to investigate, pursue prosecutions and prevent affected premises from reopening while inquiries remain under way.
Local communities are expected to be consulted as further details of the measures are developed.
