Andy Burnham accused of tarring betting shops with same brush as ‘dodgy’ high street businesses

ANDY Burnham has been accused of tarring betting shops with the same brush as crooks. The PM has promised a crackdown on vape stores, bookies and rogue high street operators. PM Andy Burnham has been accused of tarring betting shops with the same brush as crooks The PM promised a crackdown on vape stores, bookies and rogue high street operators Credit: Getty – Contributor The Betting and Gaming Council said: “It is wrong to lump highly regulated, licensed betting shops together with rogue or criminal businesses.” And an industry source said: “Labour is shaming thousands of hard-working Brits who have jobs with bookies as well as people who like a bet.” Sign up for the Money newsletter Thank you! The plans include ending the restriction on councils from blocking new betting stores or 24-hour slot machines. The rule was brought in by Tony Blair’s Government as part of the relaxation of gambling laws in 2005. Also — as part of efforts to give people more say — planning permission would be needed for outlets selling e-cigarettes. The definition of a vape shop will be tightened to stop businesses side-stepping new rules by claiming to be a convenience store or a retailer, officials said. Police will also be able to shut “dodgy” barbers, vape shops and nail salons for up to a year. Mr Burnham said: “For many people, the high streets they grew up with have been hollowed out and become unrecognisable over decades of decline. Most read in Money “The rise of vape shops, betting shops and rogue operators have replaced the shops, services and community spaces that people are crying out for.” The Sun’s Save Our Bets campaign has urged ministers not to raise betting duties at the Budget. About 3,000 betting shops have shut since 2019 with the loss of more than 15,000 jobs. Comment now