Exempt community pubs from new levy

Pro-pub MP Greg Mulholland has urged the Government to ensure community pubs aren't hit by the proposed late-night levy.

The planned levy is supposed to pay for extra policing at late-night venues.

Mulholland, chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Save the Pub Group, has written to Home Office minister James Brokenshire MP expressing his concerns that community pubs could be affected.

Mulholland said: "The proposed late-night levy is too broad and takes no account of the fact that some community pubs now choose to open a little a later on a Friday or Saturday night.

"In actual fact, having community pubs open a bit later can be a positive thing, rather than the old days of everyone who wanted a pint after 11pm being forced to go to nightclubs and bars.

"This legislation needs to be better targeted so the venues contributing to the cost of policing are only those that cause a problem and must not lead to people once again not having the option of a sociable pint at the weekend."

Save the Pub vice-chair Lord Bilston said: "I sincerely hope that the Minister responsible will not by his actions further damage the very fragile state of our community pubs and the services they provide.

"It is therefore very incumbent that the Minister recognises the value that millions of people place on these services and the community spirit that is engendered by community pubs."

Campaign for Real Ale chief executive Mike Benner said: "Well-run community pubs and not-for-profit members clubs should not be forced to return to a uniform 11pm closing time as the result of the threat of a late night opening levy.

"Any late night levy should only be applied to those late night licensed premises which can be shown to contribute to public nuisance and disorder."