Vape Shops Face New Local Controls | Leicester News

Leicester News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Aug 11, 2026 · 2m

Local councils are getting new legal power to block vape shops from opening in town centers, marking a major shift after years of unregulated growth. Backed by Leicester’s mayor and the Prime Minister, the move aims to revive high streets by letting communities veto businesses seen as undesirable—like vape and betting shops that have surged while pubs close. Under the new rules, vape shops must now apply for specific planning permission, similar to casinos, giving councils control over location and necessity. This crackdown also targets illegal activity, with Trading Standards seizing…