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Burnham Grants Councils Powers to Restrict Vape, Betting Shops

8/11/2026

23 4 Full Breakdown

Center

Burnham Grants Powers

Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced on 10 August 2026 that local councils will receive new powers to restrict vape, betting and other high-street shops.
London mayor Sadiq Khan will also be granted authority to overturn council bans on standing drinking in pubs.
Burnham said high streets are “hollowed out” and will curb rogue operators.
The £30 million unit launched in May will stay active against rogue businesses.

Left

Burnham Limits Vapes

Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced on 10 August 2026 that councils will get powers to restrict vape, betting and shops on high streets.
The plan bans misleading “fake discount” pricing and adds a 14-day cooling-off period for subscription-trap contracts to shield consumers.
Citizens Advice welcomed the measures, saying they cannot fully resolve households’ financial pressures.
Centre for Social Justice said Britain lost 1,800 pubs since 2016.

Blindspot

Blindspot

Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced a ban on misleading “fake discount” pricing, which he said could save consumers up to £400 million a year.
Within this story's sources, this angle appears mainly in Left-leaning coverage and receives less attention in Center-leaning coverage overall.

History

Historical Context

The Gambling Act 2005, passed by Tony Blair’s Labour government, shifted licensing to local councils and created the Gambling Commission, prompting a boom in betting shops. A 2014 amendment added a 15% tax on offshore operators. On 10 August 2026, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, backed by London Mayor Sadiq Khan, announced a plan giving councils powers to restrict betting venues and reverse its liberalisation.

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Burnham Grants Powers

Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced on 10 August 2026 that local councils will receive new powers to restrict vape, betting and other high-street shops.
London mayor Sadiq Khan will also be granted authority to overturn council bans on standing drinking in pubs.
Burnham said high streets are “hollowed out” and will curb rogue operators.
The £30 million unit launched in May will stay active against rogue businesses.

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