Plans to limit new vape and betting shops in Wiltshire gain support
Wiltshire Council backs proposals for greater control over high street businesses
Plans announced by Prime Minister Andy Burnham to limit the opening of new vape shops, betting shops, and adult gaming centres on high streets have been positively received in Wiltshire.
The initiatives aim to provide local councils more power over the types of businesses in town centres, addressing concerns about high streets being adversely affected over several years.
During a summer tour of Britain, the Prime Minister stated that communities would now have more influence over what businesses can open, with local councils equipped to manage unwanted establishments and revitalise town centres.
The new regulations require vape shops to obtain planning permission in order to open, rather than using the broad category applicable to ordinary shops, cafés, and banks.
Additional measures would refine the definition of vape shops to prevent operators from masquerading as convenience stores, ensuring that new outlets cannot open near schools.
Local councils will also gain more authority over gambling establishments by removing existing legislation that restricts their ability to refuse applications. These changes apply to both betting shops and 24-hour adult gaming centres.
Further powers will allow police and councils to close premises suspected of links to organised crime for up to a year, twice the current allowable period.
These powers might be applied to businesses such as vape shops suspected of selling illegal vapes or counterfeit tobacco, allowing enforcement agencies ample time to investigate and tackle repeat offenses.
Earlier this year, Wiltshire Council dealt with issues surrounding illegal sales at several local businesses. Specific cases involved closure orders and enforcement actions against establishments engaged in unlawful trading activities, such as selling illegal tobacco and vapes.
Cllr Ian Thorn, leader of Wiltshire Council, expressed support for the introduced measures, noting their potential to provide significant tools to confront businesses selling illegal products.
“We welcome measures that could provide our officers with additional tools to tackle businesses selling illegal tobacco and vape products,” Thorn said, emphasising the value of additional planning and enforcement powers in maintaining healthy business environments on local high streets.
While legislation is required to enact these proposals, Wiltshire Council plans to review the details as information from the government becomes available.