Licensing committee at royal borough rules out consultation on late night levy

The licensing committee at the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames has decided against holding a consultation on the introduction of a late night levy.

A report was prepared ahead of the committee’s meeting earlier this week (1 November) on the feasibility of bringing in a levy. The committee had previously rejected the idea in 2013.

However, it has now been reported that the committee ruled out the move for a second time and will consider the issue again in 2020.

The British Beer & Pub Association welcomed the decision.

Chief Executive Brigid Simmonds said: "I welcome Kingston’s decision not to move towards a Late Night Levy. This is the second time this approach has been rejected by the council, which has recognised that with fewer licensed venues, there would be even less potential revenue from a levy, which acts as an additional, unwelcome tax on vital local businesses.

“Pubs in London, in particular, are struggling with sky-high increases in business rates, and high duty on beer.

“Further developing a partnership approach, with the police, local authorities and business, working closely together to tackle any issues in the local night-time economy, is definitely the best way forward.”