Cheltenham to introduce late-night levy

Cheltenham Borough Council has voted in favour of introducing a Late Night Levy which will come into effect from April 2014.

The Council resolution has adopted the proposals previously submitted in the Consultation document:

• premises that are licensed to sell alcohol for all or part of the period between 00:01 and 06:00 will have to pay the Levy;
• the Council has not exempted any premises from paying the Levy on the basis that they consider that all late night licensed premises do to some extent, whether directly or indirectly, contribute towards the need to police the late night economy;
• 30% reduction is to apply for premises that participate in the local Night Safe scheme or those that have obtained Best Bar None accreditation; and
• Rather than see the levy revenue split between two separate programmes, it is the Council's intention to reach agreement with the Police and Crime Commissioner to develop a single programme delivered in partnership between the Council and the Police in line with guidance.

The charge of between £299 and £4,440 a year will be paid by venues selling alcohol between midnight and 06:00 and it is expected that £200,000 will be raised per annum.