The Labour government, led by Prime Minister Andy Burnham, has unveiled plans to impose stricter regulations on vape shops, particularly concerning their proximity to schools. This move aims to reduce the number of vape shops in local communities as part of a broader effort to enhance Britain’s high streets.
Currently, vape shops are able to open without the need for a specific planning application. Under the proposed changes, these businesses would be assigned a distinct planning category, allowing local councils to assess each application on its individual merits and refuse those deemed unsuitable for the area.
There are also proposals to refine the definition of vape shops to prevent businesses from circumventing regulations by classifying themselves as convenience stores primarily selling vaping products. Additionally, the government intends to introduce measures to prevent vape shops from operating near schools.
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Mr Burnham commented on the initiative, stating, “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.”
The crackdown reflects wider concerns about the concentration of certain types of businesses, such as Adult Gaming Centres (AGCs), in deprived areas. Last year, the Social Market Foundation (SMF) advocated for the removal of the ‘Aim to Permit’ rule, which currently limits local councils' ability to oppose new AGC openings. The SMF’s report, High Streets at Stake (October 2025), highlighted that 44% of young people aged 14 to 17 believed that the presence of gambling venues near their homes increased their interest in gambling.
Jamie Gollings, Deputy Research Director at the Social Market Foundation and co-author of the report, welcomed the government’s announcement. He said, “This is a significant and welcome step for local democracy and thriving communities. Councils know their high streets better than anyone, yet the ‘aim to permit’ rule has meant they’ve had very little real say over what opens on them.
“Our research made clear that these venues are proliferating in the poorest communities, are linked to anti-social behaviour, and often fail the basic tests of fairness and harm prevention set out in the Gambling Act itself.
“Today’s announcement is exactly what we called for and it puts decision-making back where it belongs – with the councils and communities who have to live with the consequences.”