On 11 August 2026 the Prime Minister's Office announced proposals to give communities and councils more control over high streets affected by the spread of vape shops, betting shops and adult gaming centres. Under the plans, the government said it intends to revoke the Gambling Act's "Aim to Permit" rule, which it said currently limits councils' ability to refuse new betting shops even where local concerns are strong. Vape shops would be required to seek planning permission, and the definition of a vape shop would be tightened so businesses could not avoid the rules by presenting as convenience stores. Adult gaming centres would also require planning permission under proposals the release said were due to take effect at the start of the following year.

The release cited analysis by the Centre for Social Justice finding Britain had lost nearly 1,800 pubs and bars while vape and tobacco shops rose to almost 2,200 since 2016. It also said the London Borough of Brent has more than 80 gambling venues, including 10 betting shops within a 10-minute walk in Harlesden. The maximum length of Closure Orders would double from six to 12 months, according to the announcement.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said communities would be put back in control, while Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary Angela Rayner said local leaders would gain power to reject unsuitable businesses. The release also described a planned 20% cut to business rates for pubs, social clubs and live music venues across England from the following year.