Newcastle First to Adopt Late Night Levy

A meeting of Newcastle's full Council last night rubber stamped the introduction of the first Late Night Levy in the England and Wales.

The Levy, expected to be implemented before November will affect premises open between midnight and 6am across the city (which do not fall within one of the narrow exemptions e.g. hotel mini bars).  A general exemption for all premises will apply on New Years Eve.

Premises wishing to trade after midnight following the introduction of the Levy will face fees of between £299 and £4,400 a year.

Licence holders wishing to avoid the Levy must limit the sale of alcohol at their premises to midnight.  The legislation provides that minor variation application to reduce hours would be exempt from the usual £89 application fee.

As reported, the decision to implement the levy was taken at Cabinet level on the 26^th June making last night's meeting a formality.

In the report to Council it was hoped that the levy would raise between £300,000 and £400,000 per annum.  Legislation dictates that the money will be split 70/30 between the Police and Council to deal with crime, disorder associated with licensed premises.

Northumbria Police Authority’s published revenue budget for 2012 – 13 was £271.1m.  Taking the highest projected levy income, the Police would expect to obtain a further £270,000 (70% of £400,000) which is equivalent to 0.103% of their 2012-13 budget.

 The impact upon local Operator’s finances may be more significant.  Councils across the County will now be studying the positive and negative impacts of Newcastle’s decision.

We shall keep you updated.