BBPA criticises proposed amendments to rules on late night levy

The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) has criticised Government plans to allow local authorities to impose the late night levy on particular geographic areas, rather than the whole local authority.

The Home Office believes the change – through the Policing & Crime Bill – will afford greater flexibility. It also plans to put cumulative impact policies on a statutory footing.

The BBPA has always opposed the late night levy, arguing that it is a tax and not a local partnership.

Chief Executive Brigid Simmonds said: “Local authorities need to think carefully about how a late night levy could affect a vibrant night-time economy and whether partnership with local businesses, such as through a business improvement district, would not be better for both residents and local businesses.

“Widening the tax to late-night refreshment is to be welcomed, but since it is based on rateable value, the on-trade is likely to bear the greatest burden. We welcome the requirement for local authorities to publish data on how it is spent.”

Simmonds added that the changes to cumulative impact policies to put them on a statutory footing should only be justified by evidence. “It is important that each application for a new licence, or variation of a licence, is considered on its own merit.”

She said the BBPA welcomed the frequent review of policies based on evidence, and particularly where crime and disorder are decreasing. However, she added that it was “important to note that CIPs were originally devised as a temporary policy whilst the underlying causes of any local issues were addressed – and they should be considered in this context”.