Gambling minister says “aim to permit” consultation is starting very shortly

What was announced

Speaking at a Labour Party Conference fringe event in Liverpool — her first substantial public appearance since taking the DCMS gambling brief in August 2026 — minister Vicky Foxcroft said a consultation on revoking the “aim to permit” objective will be “starting very shortly”.

“Aim to permit” is the part of the Gambling Act 2005 that requires local licensing authorities to grant premises licences where an applicant meets the licensing objectives, leaving councils limited grounds to refuse.

Why it matters

Removing the rule would give local authorities much wider discretion to reject new betting shops, bingo halls and adult gaming centres — including in areas with a high concentration of gambling premises. Foxcroft also voiced concern about the relationship between easily accessible high-street gambling and compulsive play.

The move could overlap with gambling impact assessments, which became law in April 2026 and already give councils some refusal powers. Industry bodies have defended the assessments as a middle ground; campaigners want the government to go further.

The online angle

The minister’s comments focused on high-street venues, with little said about online gambling. For online players the immediate picture is unchanged — but the tone signals a government willing to revisit the 2005 Act more broadly.

Sources

Official support services