Council considers new tax for late night venues

by Lisa Reeves

Monday 13^th January 2014

Mon 13^th Jan 2014

Cheshire East Council is considering whether to introduce a tax for premises that serve alcohol after midnight.

Members of the Licensing Committee have been requested to consider whether the Council should impose a Late Night Levy to help deal with problems associated with the consumption of alcohol.

The Licensing Authority would then be able charge a levy to businesses who sell alcohol during the 'late night supply period' to raise contributions towards the enforcement cost associated with the night-time economy.

There are 1494 licensed premises in Cheshire East, of these 857 are licensed to sell alcohol after midnight. The levy payable by each premises would be determined by the rateable value of the premises.

The Council estimates that a Late Night Levy could generate over £740,000 in tax which would be split between Cheshire Constabulary and the Council.

However, some premises may chose to change their licence rather than pay the levy, some may be exempt, such as hotels that have an authorisation to serve the public after midnight, and others may close as a result of the extra cost - which would impact on employees and 'ancillary' businesses such as taxi firms.

Cheshire Constabulary has provided data relating to the crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour linked to the late night economy. During the 12 month period from 1st November 2012 to 31st October 2013 519 Alcohol flagged crimes were reported which took place between midnight and 6am. This data states that the towns of Crewe, Macclesfield, Nantwich and Wilmslow have the highest concentration of incidents.

In Wilmslow there are 49 premises that could contribute £ 51,097 through a Late Night Levy, whilst in Macclesfield there are 127 premises, Crewe has 99 and Nantwich has 48 premises It is important to note that the Late Night Levy can only be implemented on a Borough wide basis.

The Licensing Committee will also consider whether to make an Early Morning Restriction Order (EMRO) which would restrict the sale of alcohol in a particular area for a specified period between the hours of midnight and 6:00am. There would be no income generated by the creation of an EMRO.

The Licensing Authority will consider both an Early Morning Restriction Order and Late Night Levy at their meeting on Tuesday 14th January, both of which require consultation processes to be followed prior to a policy decision on either being made.

Tags:: Cheshire East Council

Comments

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Julian Barlow

Tuesday 14^th January 2014 at 2:25 pm

This kind of forward thinking initiative is just what the town centre needs to ensure that the few remaining town centre businesses close down overnight. CEC's greed, coupled with their inexplicable desire to run local businesses into the ground defies all logic.

Simon Worthington

Tuesday 14^th January 2014 at 2:40 pm

Given that the product sold is hugely taxed before adding VAT, AND the fact that most of the customers will be taxpayers already and then spend in other businesses (taxis, takeaways etc.) enough money is supplied to cover the costs without even mentioning extortionate business rates. See A. A. Gill's recent adventure to Cleveland and Grimsby where the Police Commissioner admitted that the youngsters' nighttime spend was keeping their desolate high streets alive!!!

Tuesday 14^th January 2014 at 3:56 pm

Lets not forget that CEC were all to eager to grant late night drinking licenses, often against much public opposition. The increase in alcohol related crimes associated with late night licensing was widely anticipated by the general public and yet appears to have taken CEC completely by surprise. Now it would appear that they are expecting local businesses to foot the bill for the inept decision making. If you run a local business the council quite clearly view you as a cash cow.