The UK government is set to implement a series of reforms that will empower local councils with greater authority over the types of businesses permitted on Britain's high streets. This initiative specifically targets betting shops and adult gaming centers (AGCs) in an effort to combat illegal activities and rejuvenate town centers. Vaping retailers will also fall under this new scrutiny.
Among the key changes, the government plans to abolish the existing ‘aim to permit’ guideline that has favored the establishment of betting shops and 24-hour slot machine arcades across the country. This repeal means that any AGC in England that operates around the clock will now be required to obtain planning permission.
Furthermore, retail outlets looking to sell e-cigarettes or vapes in England must also secure planning approval before launching their businesses.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham expressed his views on social media, referring to betting establishments 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 regarding these reforms is anticipated later today. Responses to the proposed changes have varied among industry groups and local government officials, with many arguing that adjustments to planning permissions alone won’t resolve the ongoing deterioration of town centers.
The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) expressed support for the reforms aimed at enhancing local authority input over betting establishments. A spokesperson stated, "We support tough action against criminal operators and agree local people should have a proper say over their high streets. However, the assertion that betting shops are spreading unchecked is simply wrong. Betting shop numbers have fallen by over a third since 2019. About 3,000 shops have closed, resulting in over 15,000 job losses. It is inappropriate to equate highly regulated, licensed betting shops with rogue operators. They provide substantial employment and support local economies. The real threat to high streets is a growing number of vacant units and reduced local employment, rather than the presence of established businesses."
The Local Government Association welcomed the government’s direction, labeling it a "positive step" towards empowering councils to tackle problematic premises. A representative stated, "Extra powers will aid councils in revitalizing high streets and regulating betting and vaping shops, while also bringing life back to vacant properties."
Kirsty Caldwell, a compliance consultant with Betsmart, criticized the government for conflating regulated betting shops with unregulated vape shops. She highlighted the substantial financial contributions of the betting industry, arguing that it generates around £4 billion in tax revenue and employs more than 100,000 people nationwide. She questioned how the government could equate these businesses with others that lack regulatory oversight, suggesting that many vaping outlets have been associated with illicit activities.
The move comes amid ongoing challenges in the retail betting sector, which has seen several prominent operators pare back their shop numbers significantly. Betfred announced intentions to close 132 betting shops in August, leading to over 600 job cuts, attributing the closures to the increase in Remote Gambling Duty (RGD). CEO Jo Whittaker noted, "The combined impact of higher employer National Insurance contributions, wage inflation, increases in gambling taxes, and broader economic uncertainties has left us with no choice."
Additionally, in April, Evoke decided to shut down 200 William Hill outlets, with Ladbrokes also reducing its operation size in Ireland due to failed sale negotiations.
