City council to consult on introduction of late night levy

The Cabinet at Gloucester City Council this week agreed to consult on the introduction of a late night levy.

The levy would, if introduced, be a charge made to all alcohol licensed premises within Gloucester’s boundary (pubs, off licences, restaurants and members clubs) that are authorised to supply alcohol between midnight and 6am.

The consultation will run 7 December. The report for the Cabinet meeting can be viewed here. It expects the levy to raise £154,565 if all 181 affected premises contribute. However, a number of premises could apply to vary their licence.

The only exemption under the proposed levy in Gloucester relates to those premises that only open after midnight on New Year’s Eve. There is also to be a prescribed 30% reduction if premises actively participate in both the CitySafe and Best Bar None schemes.

Cllr Jennie Dallimore, deputy leader of Gloucester City Council, said: "We want to make sure that all our residents, and the people who visit our city, feel safe. If a late night levy was adopted the revenue raised would help manage the night-time economy, particularly to reduce or prevent crime and disorder and public nuisance."

Earlier this month Cheltenham Borough Council began consultation on plans for its late night levy to be superseded by its business improvement district.