Nottingham ditches late-night levy

The late-night levy is an additional annual fee charged on licensed premises holders across the city if their premises licence or club premises certificate authorises the sale of alcohol from midnight to 6am.  

The fee ranges from £299 a year for smaller businesses to £4,449 for larger businesses which are used exclusively or primarily for the sale of alcohol. 

Nottingham city councillors made the decision at a full council meeting on Monday (12 September). It means licensees who were required to pay the levy will no longer have to pay it from 1 November 2022. 

Met with approval

The council’s licensing committee considered the matter earlier this year. After a consultation which found most were in favour of removing the levy, the proposal was put to the full council yesterday and approved. 

Poppleston Allen associate solicitor Suraj Desor said: “It was felt that the council’s licensing regime could provide the necessary safeguards against the potential for more premises seeking to open late at night and any associated anti-social behaviour without the need for a late-night levy.  

“We understand, it is expected the loss of this income for the local police will be partly offset by Nottinghamshire’s police and crime commissioner receiving an extra £13 million towards recruiting more police officers.” 

Boosting business

The city’s late-night levy was introduced in 2014, and the money it raised was to be split between the council and police to help manage the night-time economy and alcohol related crime. 

The report said removing the levy would reduce the financial pressures facing licensees due to the pandemic. It also highlighted how it would remove costs that could be an obstacle for incoming and expanding businesses. 

“We are pleased to see Nottingham City Council take this positive and pragmatic approach which will assist existing and prospective licensed operators and help the hospitality sector thrive in the city,” said Desor.