FWD welcomes PM’s vape shop crackdown vow
High streets hollowed out by the unchecked spread of vape stores, betting shops, and rogue businesses are set to face a crackdown under new powers announced by the Prime Minister on 11 August
The measures will put communities back in control of their high streets by giving local people a real say over what businesses can open in their town centres and how local high streets should look, as well as tougher powers for the police and local authorities to crack down on rogue operators.
The government will require planning permission for vape shops to finally give local people and councils a say over whether they open and to stop them opening near schools. The definition of a vape shop will also be tightened to stop businesses getting around the new rules by claiming to be a general convenience store or retailer.
The changes come as vape shops and adult gaming centres have spread rapidly across many town centres. Unlike most businesses that communities raise concerns about, they can currently open without planning permission under the same rules that apply to coffee shops and clothing retailers.
Analysis by the Centre for Social Justice has found that Britain has lost nearly 1,800 pubs and bars, while the number of vape and tobacco shops increased to almost 2,200 since 2016.
The maximum length of Closure Orders will also double from six to 12 months, giving police and local authorities more time to investigate premises linked to organised crime, pursue prosecutions, and prevent rogue businesses reopening before investigations are complete.
The government is taking practical action to give local people a real say over the future of their high streets, including shaping how the new measures will work in practice.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said, “For many people, the high streets they grew up with have been hollowed out and become unrecognisable over decades of decline. The rise of vape shops, betting shops and rogue operators have replaced the shops, services, and community spaces that people are crying out for.
“That’s not on. I said we would improve Britain’s high streets, and that’s exactly what we are starting to do. We’re putting communities back in control and giving local people a real say over what opens on their high street. Local councils will be given the powers they need to rein in unwanted shops and bring town centres back to life.
“High streets are the beating heart of local communities, but for too long Westminster has stood by while they have been in decline. This government is committed to restoring our high streets and bringing back hope across Britain.”
Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Angela Rayner said: “People know when their high street isn’t working for them. Whether it’s the vape shop or betting shops that’s opened with no say from locals, the shopfront that’s seen better days, or the sense that nobody’s in control.
“These problems have built up over years, but this government won’t leave councils and communities powerless to crackdown on everyday eyesores that blight our high streets.
“That’s why we’re giving local leaders the power to say no to what doesn’t belong on their high street, and the tools to fix it themselves.”
Food and Drink Wholesale UK Chief Executive James Bielby commented: “We welcome today’s announcement on cracking down on rogue operators and supporting high streets by giving power back to local communities, which will help tackle the illicit trade in tobacco and vapes. FWD has been calling for stronger action for years on the illicit tobacco trade and the change of planning laws to prevent more vape shops opening is is a step in the right direction to support responsible retailers and target organised criminal gangs behind the illicit vape market.
“High streets should be places where responsible local businesses can thrive and provide the shops, services and hospitality that communities rely on. Food and drink wholesalers are proud to support thousands of those businesses across the country, supplying independent shops, pubs, restaurants and cafés and helping them serve their communities every day.”
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