Government sets out response to Late Night Levy consultation

Back in January of this year, the Government launched a consultation on the level of the Late Night Levy (LNL) fee that would apply for Late Night Refreshment (LNR) venues if these types of Premises are added to the LNL in an area.

The consultation ended on the 3^rd of April and the Government have now set out the responses to the consultation.

Only 41 responses were received, which we feel is disappointing given the number of LNR premises that the LNL might affect. Of those 41 responses, 3 contained no relevant information so the report is based on just 38 responses!

The options proposed in the consultation were as follows:

1. To base the LNL charge on the current licence fee system for venues that serve alcohol with no option for local authorities to apply any sort of discount;
2. To base the LNL charge on the current licence fee system for venues that serve alcohol with the option for licensing authorities to offer a 30% reduction in fee to LNR providers that qualify for small business rate relief; or
3. Neither of the above.

The 38 responses to the consultation were in favour of option 2 and the Government has confirmed that it will base LNL charges for LNR providers on the current licence fee system for venues that serve alcohol including the ability to offer a 30% discount for venues that qualify for small business rate relief.

The Government will now move to commence section 142 of the Policing and Crime Act 2017 (which introduces LNL charges for LNR providers).

The Government’s webpage on the consultation and the responses can be viewed here.