The UK government is preparing to unveil a series of enforcement reforms aimed at granting local councils enhanced authority over the types of businesses permitted on high streets across the country.
These new regulations will focus on betting shops and adult gaming locations (AGCs), intending to reduce illegal activities and rejuvenate town centers, while also addressing vape retailers.
In a significant shift, the government plans to repeal the existing ‘aim to permit’ policy for betting shops and 24-hour slot machine arcades, which had effectively assumed that permission would be granted for such establishments. From now on, AGCs in England that offer around-the-clock access to gambling machines will need to secure planning approval. Similarly, any new retail outlet seeking to sell e-cigarettes or vapes must obtain the necessary planning permission before opening.
This morning, Prime Minister Andy Burnham took to social media to criticize betting shops, labeling them as "dodgy businesses." He stated, "We’re giving local people and councils more control over what opens, and tougher powers to crack down on businesses that aren’t good for our communities. For too long, Westminster has stood by while our high streets declined. That ends now."
An official announcement detailing these changes is expected later today. Mixed reactions have emerged regarding the proposed reforms from industry representatives and local government officials, with many cautioning that changes to planning regulations alone may not be sufficient to address the broader decline of town centers.
The Betting and Gaming Council expressed support for the increased local oversight of betting shops. A spokesperson stated, "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, with around 3,000 closures and over 15,000 jobs lost. It is inaccurate to group well-regulated, licensed betting shops with illicit businesses. Betting shops still support 37,500 jobs, generate foot traffic for neighboring businesses, and serve as important community hubs. The real threat to Britain’s high streets is the increasing number of empty units and the loss of local jobs, not legitimate businesses that engage with their communities."
The Local Government Association hailed the government's initiative as a “positive step” towards empowering councils in addressing problematic establishments. A spokesperson commented, "Extra powers will help councils in revitalising high streets and shaping their communities, particularly in regulating betting and vaping shops while also revitalising vacant properties."
Kirsty Caldwell, a compliance consultant at Betsmart, criticized the government’s comparison between licensed betting shops and vape retailers. She remarked, "The industry invests millions in regulatory measures and consumer protections. It’s been overlooked that legal betting shops have been part of the UK high street since the 1960s – their presence does not render our high streets unrecognizable. How can a sector that generates about £4 billion in tax revenue and supports over 100,000 jobs be equated with industries lacking regulatory oversight and identified as fronts for laundering illicit funds?"
These reforms come amid ongoing difficulties for the retail betting sector, which has seen leading UK operators shutter numerous shops recently. In August, Betfred announced its plan to close 132 betting shops and cut its workforce by over 600 due to escalating costs. CEO Jo Whittaker commented, "We have tried hard to protect all our sites and the colleagues who work in them, but the combined impact of higher National Insurance contributions, wage inflation, increases in gambling taxes, and broader economic uncertainty has left us with no choice."
Additionally, Evoke closed 200 William Hill locations earlier this April for similar reasons, while Ladbrokes reduced its presence in Ireland following unresolved sale discussions.
