Andy Burnham gestures after being confirmed as the Labour Party's new leader and the country's next prime minister, during 'Labour’s Special Conference' in central London on July 17, 2026. (Photo by Henry Nicholls / POOL / AFP)
Residents across Britain could soon have more say over whether vape shops, betting shops and adult gaming centres open on their local high streets, under new measures announced by Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
The proposals are aimed at helping communities reshape town centres that the government says have been “hollowed out” by years of decline and the spread of businesses that residents do not want in their neighbourhoods.
The measures were announced in a statement by the Prime Minister’s Office and 10 Downing Street titled “PM vows to save ‘hollowed out high streets’ with crackdown on vape and betting shops,” published on Tuesday in the home office website.
Under the proposals, councils would gain greater powers to refuse new betting shops, while vape shops and adult gaming centres would be required to obtain planning permission before opening.
