Little enthusiasm for the late-night levy

Those are two key findings of a survey by law firm Poppleston Allen of licensing officers at 344 councils across England and Wales.

The research found that 9.9% of authorities say they are likely to implement the late-night levy, an extra fee for venues that operate between midnight and 6am.

While 37.8% said they were unlikely to implement the measure, the majority, 51.7%, had not yet considered it.

Authorities who supported the move pointed to the need for extra funding. Those opposing itsaid the levy was “overly bureaucratic and not justified”, and could “kill the local economy”.

The research found 4.6% of authorities believed they were likely to implement EMROs, which introduce blanket bans on late opening at designated periods be-tween midnight and 6am. It compares to 44.2% who said they were unlikely to implement the measure. Again, the majority, 50.9%, had not yet considered the power.

Those supporting the measure argued that they were more viable than the late-night levy and able to target certain premises and areas more effectively. The restriction also eases pressure on police, they said.

However, others dismissed the power as reminiscent of the now-defunct alcohol disorder zones, the much-criticised measure that gave authorities powers to charge an extra fee on operators in trouble hotspots, because implementing one would add a negative “tag” in the area.

Doubters also feared that an EMRO would adversely affect the local leisure industry, and would remove the ability to deal with each application on its merits.

The measures were in-cluded in the Police Reform & Social Responsibility Bill, which received Royal Assent last September. However, the Home Office is yet to publish guidance on how and when the powers will be implemented, along with key details such as exemptions.