By Jason Lewis, Local Democracy Reporter
New measures to allow councils to stop vape and betting shops opening have been welcomed by Southampton leaders.
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Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced plans as part of government efforts to improve high streets.
New shops wanting to sell e-cigarettes or vapes will need to apply to the council for permission to open, while the definition of a vape shop will be tightened to prevent businesses from avoiding the rules.
The ‘aim to permit’ regulation, which limits a council’s ability to refuse new betting and 24-hour gambling shops, will be scrapped and planning permission will be required for new adult gaming centres.
Cllr Gordon Cooper (Lab, Bitterne Park), pictured left, who led a Southampton City Council scrutiny inquiry into gambling-related harms in Southampton, said he supported any initiative which gave local authorities greater power over the location and development of 24-hour betting establishments.
He said: “Up to now the ‘aim to permit rule’ has made it more difficult for councils to refuse planning and licensing permission on such premises on grounds of too many in an area or because of local objections.
“The introduction of the new legislation this year will give councils more power to take into account local opinion and the impact of such premises on high streets and local communities.”
Toqeer Kataria, city councillor responsible for communities, safety and leisure, said the council will look at the new powers closely when they become law and consider how they can be used in Southampton.
Cllr Kataria, pictured right, said: “We believe that a healthy and prosperous city requires high streets that are vibrant and safe for everybody to enjoy and the council welcomes any powers that aim to support this goal.
“We recognise that vaping can help some smokers move away from tobacco products, however we remain vigilant against any retailer involved in the sale of illicit tobacco, illegal vapes, and other non-compliant products.
“Effective regulation and better enforcement lead to higher standards across the sector whilst supporting legitimate retailers, ultimately leading to more attractive high streets.
“Residents can get free, confidential support to stop gambling, smoking or vaping by visiting the health section of the council’s website.”
Cllr Kataria said anyone concerned about potential rogue traders or illegal supply of vapes should contact trading standards.
He said residents should dispose of vapes properly at household waste recycling centres or by returning them to retailers. They should never be put in a household waste or recycling bin, Cllr Kataria added.
Darren Paffey, Labour MP for Southampton Itchen, said residents at community meetings had shared concerns about the hollowing out of high streets.
He said it was positive councils and communities will have a greater say on what shops and services are found on their high streets.
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