"The plans announced by the government include:
Changes to planning law which would mean every new shop selling e-cigarettes, or vapes, would need to apply to their local council for permission to open (England only)
Tightening the definition of a vape shop to prevent businesses avoiding the rules by describing themselves as a general convenience store or retailer (England only)
Scrapping a rule known as "aim to permit", which currently restricts councils' ability to refuse new betting shops and 24-hour slot machine shops (Great Britain-wide)
Requiring planning permission for new adult gaming centres, which offer 24-hour access to gambling machines (England only)
New powers to extend closure orders for mini-marts and vape shops found to be selling illegal tobacco or up to twelve months, something previously proposed by former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer (England and Wales)
The National Crime Agency (NCA) estimates that at least £1bn of criminal cash is laundered through high street stores in the UK each year through businesses connected to the sale of fake goods, tax evasion, illegal working and illegal drug supply."
Framing: assertive ·
First seen: 2026-08-11 ·
Last seen: 2026-08-11 ·
Spread: 1 articles