Weymouth rejects late-night levy and EMRO

Weymouth & Portland Borough Council’s licensing committee said premises “could suffer financial losses from reduced trade” if an EMRO was implemented, and late-night venues would face additional annual payments of £768, on average, if a LNL was introduced.

It added that there is “not enough evidence” to justify either of the measures at present but said it would review the situation “at a future date, to be decided”, at a committee meeting earlier this week.

The decision was reached after the committee sought opinions from “responsible authorities” – including Public Health Dorset, Dorset Police, Environmental Health and the Head of Business Licensing - on the possible implementation of the measures.

Regarding an EMRO, a Dorset Police inspector said he has concerns regarding “everyone leaving at the same time”, which would potentially lead to increased public disorder and the need for additional support from taxi marshalls and public transport.

Voluntary schemes​

He also said the authority is currently seeking to negotiate a voluntary agreement over the reduction of hours, as it “makes for a better relationship if we want to propose other tactics”, and it is looking into the possibility of a cumulative impact policy for the town.

Regarding a LNL, he said businesses are already paying towards the Business Improvement District and he would like to show that some of the money is being spent on visible and effective measures first.

He also said there is a question over “how much [a levy] would make against how much it would cost to introduce” and feedback from the College of Policing indicates they are “difficult to implement”.