BISL hits out over calls for pubs to pay for late-night services

Trade group Business in Sport and Leisure (BISL) has hit out at the Greater London Authority (GLA) over calls for pubs and bars to help pay for late-night London.

Jennette Arnold, chairwoman of the GLA committee set up to look at the implications of later licensing, said businesses like pubs would benefit from later opening and should therefore pay extra to cover the cost of policing, street-cleaning and late-night transport.

She told a meeting of the committee this week: "This will help to ease some of the financial burden on the council taxpayer. If businesses and their customers have to pay out it should result in them being more responsible."

But BISL rejected the GLA's argument.

Spokeswoman Anna Steinitz said: "Leisure businesses in London and Westminster already pay massive amounts towards policing and clean streets via their business rates. They also pay tax, duty, VAT and National Insurance Contributions, contribute hugely to the UK economy, provide employment and attract tourists to this country."

The GLA committee is due to publish its findings at the end of September.

It is feared that if pubs in London are forced to pay extra for later opening, other councils could follow suit.

Related articles:​

Restaurant industry speaks out on licensing (16 July 2002)

Greater London Authority consults on 24-hour licensing (16 July 2002)

Trade joins debate at GLA's second 24-hour licensing consultation meeting (3 July 2002)

Freeze new licenses in London's West End, says report (3 July 2002)

Howells outlines licensing reform plans (25 June 2002)

Pubs to be hit with cost of reform for 24-hour licensing (20 June 2002)