Starmer urged to scrap ‘outdated’ law limiting power to stop new gambling premises

Over 300 UK politicians and campaigners are urging Prime Minister Keir Starmer to abolish the "aim to permit" rule, which they say limits communities' ability to prevent new gambling premises from opening. The rule, introduced in 2005, legally obligates licensing authorities to generally allow new gambling establishments. Critics, including Labour MP Dawn Butler, argue this has led to a proliferation of betting shops and 24/7 slot machine venues, especially in economically deprived areas, while councils are powerless to refuse licenses. While the government pledged to give councils more power, signatories to the letter, including Andy Burnham, believe this doesn't go far enough and are requesting a meeting with Starmer to discuss abolishing the rule, which has underpinned British gambling regulation since 2007. Butler has also applied for a 10-minute rule bill to further advocate for the change.

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