UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham Revokes Aim to Permit Rule in Shift for High Street Gambling Licensing

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has pledged to revoke the Aim to Permit rule, a licensing standard under the 2005 Gambling Act that requires councils to lean toward approving gambling venue applications. The change applies across Great Britain but not in Northern Ireland, which operates under separate 1980s legislation.

Gambling Commission figures show gambling establishments on the UK high street, a 1.1% drop from the prior year and down from 12,207 in 2011. These comprise 5,825 betting shops, 1,415 adult gaming centres, 684 bingo halls, 169 family entertainment centres and 141 casinos.

The move forms part of Burnham’s high street revitalization plans, which also introduce new planning permission requirements for adult gaming centres in England. Burnham stated the rise of vape shops, betting shops and rogue operators have replaced the shops, services, and community spaces that people are crying out for.

Mixed Reactions from Industry and Think Tanks

The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) voiced support for action against criminal operators and local input on high streets but rejected linking regulated betting shops with rogue businesses. A BGC spokesperson told SBC News: “Betting shop numbers have fallen by over a third since 2019. Around 3,000 shops have closed and over 15,000 jobs have already been lost.” The spokesperson added that betting shops “still support 37,500 jobs, bring vital footfall to neighbouring businesses and, for many customers, are valued community hubs” and that “the real threat to Britain’s hard-pressed high streets is more empty units and fewer local jobs.”

In contrast the Social Market Foundation (SMF) welcomed the announcement. Jamie Gollings, the SMF’s Deputy Research Director, said: “This is a significant and welcome step for local democracy and thriving communities.” Gollings noted that councils have had very little real say due to the rule, that such venues proliferate in the poorest communities and are linked to anti-social behaviour.

Communities in Control: The Next Test for Operators

The revocation follows calls from 38 local governments including Greater Manchester and campaigning by Labour MP Dawn Butler. It builds on the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill that already committed to amending the Gambling Act. Burnham remarked: “We’re putting communities back in control and giving local people a real say over what opens on their high street.”

Opposition parties warn the policy will create more vacant units. The development arrives as Betfred prepares to close one-tenth of its high street shops, underscoring retail sector pressure. Local councils will now hold expanded authority, yet the precise pace of further licensing refusals stays unknown.

Reporting: SBC News

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