Camden council U-turns on late night levy

There will no exemptions but a 30% discount for premises that take part in business led best practice schemes such as business improvement districts.

A public consultation into the levy is due to begin on Monday 12 October, with a report set to go before the licensing committee on 18 November.

Camden council performed a U-turn over a previous consultation earlier this year, downgrading it to an ‘informal exercise’ after a faulty website link caused complaints from operators who had been unable to respond. There were hopes that the council would reconsider its desire for a levy following the mishap.

The Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers and the British Beer and Pub Association have remained firmly against levies, arguing that the added cost places a burden on businesses and that voluntary schemes like Best Bar None have proved effective.

However operators in Newcastle, which introduced a levy in 2013, say they are starting to see the benefits of the LNL, including an increased police presence, new thermal cameras and better CCTV coverage around the city.

Licensing expert Richard Arnot said that street pastors introduced as a result of the levy have proved surprisingly effective at dealing with vulnerable people leaving pubs and clubs late at night.