Redbridge Council plans to introduce a Late Night Levy charge on alcohol
The levy would be on top of an alcohol license. Photo: Johnny Green - Credit: PA Wire/PA Images
Redbridge Council is planning on charging a Late Night Levy (LNL) which means that all premises selling alcohol between midnight and 6am will be charged up to £4,440 a year depending on the rateable value of their property.
This is on top of business rates and the alcohol licence fee.
It has launched a consultation about the idea and said money generated from the scheme will go towards late-night policing and clean up costs.
The price of the LNL is set nationally but Redbridge Council will be able to retain up to 30per cent of net money raised.
The LNL will not apply to temporary events.
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“If we introduce the levy after consultation, it will apply to all premises licences and club premises certificates authorised for the sale or supply of alcohol after midnight and before 6am, even if the full licensable hours are not used,” a Redbridge Council spokesman said.
“Although there is no proposal to provide exemptions, reductions or discounts, such premises as hotels and guest houses could be considered for exemption from the LNL as long as the supply of alcohol was made to a person staying at the premises and was for consumption on the premises.
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“It is considered that these premises do not significantly contribute to late night alcohol-related crime.”
Based on the current number of businesses operating in Redbridge, the local authority could make more than £115,000 through the levy.
The scheme would be run by a “local management board” in collaboration with the Met.
“Police crime reports and complaints shows a clear correlation between the locations of late night licensed premises and incidents involving crime and disorder, including antisocial behaviour and public nuisance,” the spokesman added.
“The Metropolitan Police and council’s enforcement team incur additional costs to police the night time economy in the borough using finite resources.
“Over 530 premises are authorised to sell alcohol and of these, 120 are able to supply alcohol at any time after midnight and before 6am.
“If the LNL is introduced, license holders has the right, if they so wish, to make an application to vary their licence. They can do this free of charge before its introduced so that the premises will not be subject to paying the levy.”
The consultation will be discussed at a council licensing committee meeting on Wednesday, February 13.
Visit moderngov.redbridge.gov.uk/documents/s116739/Appendix%20B%20-%20Late%20Night%20Levy%20Consultation%20Questionnaire.pdf
