Burnham Changes on Gambling and Vapes Are Just Baby Steps

Local Lib Dems welcomed the proposals on gambling premises and vape stores floated by the Prime Minister, but warned they are just small steps and it’s likely to be a long time until any changes come into force to be useful. Currently councils’ ability to refuse new betting shops is highly restricted.

Liberal Democrat Councillor Christine McHugh (Goldington) commented: “These proposals are just baby steps, the changes sound very limited and who knows how long we’ll have to wait for these to come into force.

Currently the rule known as “aim to permit,” means councils have very little power to turn down applications. In my view we need to have similar or greater powers over gambling premises as we do over alcohol sales, where we can have a Cumulative Impact Zone and say, there are just too many gambling premises. And we should be able to consider the social harm that may be caused – currently we can’t.

It’s also wider than just licensing. We need to change the planning regime as well as the licensing regime, so councils can truly shape their town centres.

I’ll be writing to my MP, the Prime Minister and Minister for Local Government to tell them my view and I urge anyone concerned to do the same, now, before the changes are set in stone.”