Minister of State for Crime, Policing and Fire (): The late night levy
(the ‘levy’) is a discretionary power enabling licensing
authorities in England and Wales to collect a financial
contribution from premises that profit from the sale of alcohol
late at night (between 12am and 6am).
Section 142 of the Policing and Crime Act 2017 introduced several
changes to the late night levy, which are yet to be commenced.
Once in force, these changes will give licensing authorities the
power to charge late night refreshment (LNR) premises the levy to
assist with the cost of policing the NTE, give PCCs the right to
request that a licensing authority formally propose a levy and
require licensing authorities to publish information about how
the revenue raised from the levy is spent.
LNR premises will only be charged the late night levy in areas
where licensing authorities decide that they place demands on
police resources in the NTE. In each area, licensing authorities
will have the option of charging only premises licensed to sell
alcohol, or to premises licensed to sell alcohol and premises
licensed to sell late night refreshment. The consultation asks
whether LNR premises should be charged the same rate as other
venues included in a levy, or whether they should receive a 30%
discount.
The Government recognises that businesses operating in the night
time economy have faced particularly challenging times over the
course of the pandemic. However, we believe the time is right to
finally commence the changes made to the levy in 2017 which have
been considerably delayed. The requirements for a local authority
to consult widely before taking a final decision on the
introduction of the levy locally provides sufficient safeguards
to protect businesses and use the power effectively.
The consultation is aimed at late night refreshment providers,
local licensing authorities, the police, licensed premises,
members of the public and other interested parties in England and
Wales, where these proposals apply. The consultation being
launched today will run for 12 weeks.
A copy of this consultation will be placed in the Libraries of
both Houses and published on GOV.UK.
