Borough council to consult on adopting late night levy

The Cabinet at Cheltenham Borough Council is to consult on the adoption of a late night levy.

If the levy gets the green light, it would be implemented on 1 April 2014. Cheltenham currently has 135 licensed premises authorised to sell or supply alcohol between midnight and 6 am.

The scheme would see the levy revenue used to develop a single programme delivered by a partnership between the local authority and the Gloucestershire Police and Crime Commissioner. This is instead of splitting the monies raised 30-70 between the council and the Commissioner.

The potential annual gross income is £133,000, though this may change if premises vary their licences to exclude themselves from the levy. It will also be subject to a number of permitted exemptions or reductions.

Cllr Peter Jeffries, cabinet member for housing, safety and communities, said: “Cheltenham Borough Council has set out a priority to strengthen communities through making those communities feel safe and ensuring they are safe and as such it has agreed to make a proposal to adopt a late night levy in Cheltenham.

“If adopted, the revenue raised will be used to help manage the night-time economy particularly in relation to reducing or preventing crime and disorder, public nuisance and promoting public safety in the whole borough.”

Jimmy Elias, local night club operator and chair of Night Safe, said he supported the late night levy as an operator.

However, he added: “I do feel that the payment structure based on rateable value is slightly unfair, as this would see smaller venues paying a lot more then some of the larger venues in town but the fee structure has been set by law so the council does not have any discretion over this."

The consultation will start on 3 June 2013.