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Written question asked by James Cleverly (Conservative) on Tuesday, 16 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 18 June 2026. It was answered by Nesil Caliskan (Labour) on Wednesday, 24 June 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Retail Trade: Licensing

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the written statement of 21 May 2026, HCWS59, on Neighbourhoods and Public Services, through what legal mechanism will councils be given new powers to restrict certain shops on the high street, and what types of shop will it apply to.

Answer

The Government is taking action to give local authorities and communities more powers to control the make up of their high street. This includes bringing Gambling Impact Assessments into force in due course, which will give local authorities an additional tool to manage the number and density of new gambling shops in their areas.

Vape shops are another high street use which has increased in recent years. The Tobacco and Vapes Act provides powers to introduce a new licensing scheme for the retail sale of tobacco, vaping and nicotine products. The Government intends to consult on introducing a new retail licensing scheme in 2027.

Alongside this, police and local authorities will be equipped with stronger powers to close businesses that are being used to conduct illegal activity. Subject to consultation, the Government will use secondary legislation to double the maximum duration of closure orders.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
10170
Session
2026-27
Related items
Neighbourhoods and Public Services
Thursday, 21 May 2026
Written statements
House of Commons
Subjects
Licensing Local government Powers Retail trade
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk