Ellesmere Port and Bromborough MP welcomes new powers to tackle spread of vape shops

Communities will get new powers to tackle the spread of vape shops under Government plans welcomed by Ellesmere Port and Bromborough MP Justin Madders.

New vape shops and adult gaming centres – premises largely devoted to slot and gaming machines – will need planning permission, giving councils greater control over where they open. Councils will also have stronger powers to prevent vape shops from clustering or opening near schools.

There will also be tougher action against rogue businesses, including illegal vape shops and premises suspected of links to organised crime.

Justin Madders MP said:

“People regularly tell me they are concerned about the number of vape shops appearing on our high streets.

“Our town centres should have a good mix of shops and services that local people actually want and communities should have a proper say over what opens.

“These changes will give councils greater powers to prevent too many of the same type of business clustering in one area, while supporting responsible businesses and helping us regenerate our high streets.

“I particularly welcome stronger powers to stop vape shops opening near schools and tougher action against rogue operators.”

Under the plans, the maximum length of closure orders will double from six to 12 months, giving police and councils more time to investigate premises linked to organised crime and prevent rogue operators reopening.

The MP added:

“I welcome this because a frustration for the public has been seeing businesses closed for illegal activity able to reopen after three months – or six months if the closure order was extended.

“Increasing the maximum closure order period to 12 months should act as a greater deterrent to rogue businesses.”

Ministers also intend to consult on scrapping the Gambling Act’s “aim to permit” rule, giving councils greater discretion over applications for new gambling premises where there are concerns about over-concentration.

The reforms are not intended to target legitimate existing businesses or introduce a blanket ban on gambling premises.