Blackpool reject Late Night Levy

At a meeting held on 25^th May Blackpool’s Licensing Committee voted against the implementation of the Late Night Levy (LNL); although a review of this decision is anticipated in six month time.

In 2014 Blackpool also rejected an application by the Police for an EMRO.

Blackpool have followed a recent trend of Licensing Authorities opting against the LNL in favour of other targeted solutions.  The unfair way in which the LNL applies to all premises across an Authority’s area was cited as one reason for the rejection.

The Committee have indicated that they will be reviewing their Statement of Licensing Policy in the near future with the possibility of creating distinct zones within the late night economy.  The suggestion is that the area surrounding Queen Street will be nominated a late night entertainment area while St John’s Square, Church Street and Victoria Street would be an area for restaurants and more family-orientated venues.

We shall keep you updated.