York begins consultation on late-night levy
Local licensees, residents and businesses are now able to submit responses to the possible fee until 31 October 2013. Submissions will be taken into consideration before a final decision is made on 12 December 2013 and if approved the levy would be introduced from 1 April 2014.
York City Council is the sixth local authority to begin a consultation on a proposed levy, which would enable the council to charge licensed premises to sell alcohol between midnight and 6am. The proposal has outlined the full range of exemptions (which includes hotels, theatres, cinemas, bingo halls, Business Improvement Districts and New Year's Eve) but there is no intention to introduce any reductions to the fees.
The amount of the levy would depend on the rateable value of the premises and range from £299 and £4,440 annually; the average fee in York would be £768 or £14.77 weekly.
Improving the night-time economy
York City Council said the town has 263 licensed premises open between midnight and 6am at these times and the move would help York’s night time economy “become more pleasant and successful”.
To read the consultation briefing and share your views on the late-night levy proposal in York visit York City Council’s website.
Plymouth City Council has also launched consultation on whether to introduce a late-night levy. The closing date for responses is 5 October 2013.
Meanwhile, Norwich City Council has begun consultation on whether to introduce an early morning restriction order within three areas in the town and will be accepting submissions until 13 September 2013.
