Government pressed on giving councils more power over betting shops and vape stores

The Government has signalled that councils will gain stronger powers to control the spread of betting shops, vape stores and other problem high‑street premises, following a written parliamentary question asking whether local authorities will be given greater discretion to refuse such applications.

What the minister said

The minister’s response outlines three main areas where powers are set to expand:

• A forthcoming High Streets Strategy, due later in 2026 and backed by £150 million, which will include measures to give communities more influence over the mix of businesses on their high streets.
• The introduction of Cumulative Impact Assessments for gambling premises “when parliamentary time allows”, enabling councils to limit clusters of betting shops in areas with high levels of harm.
• A new licensing scheme for tobacco, vaping and nicotine retailers under the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, giving councils the ability to regulate or refuse vape shops.

The answer also references £15 million per year allocated in the 2025 Budget to tackle illegal or non‑compliant high‑street activity, which is where the reference to “fake barbers” fits. These are often associated with unlicensed trading or fronts for illicit activity.