JD Wetherspoon fails in bid to cut hours at Newcastle pubs ahead of late-night levy

The managed pub operator is now considering whether to appeal the decision.

Wetherspoon’s had sought permission to close at midnight to avoid paying the levy but the move sparked opposition from the council and police.

At last night’s meeting the council’s licensing sub-committee confirmed that its determination had to be consistent with the advice given to other operators against such applications, whilst raising concerns over the reinstatement of any hours post levy.

Wetherspoon's spokesman Eddie Gershon said: “We are disappointed with the decision.

“We will consider whether to appeal the decision in the next few days.”

Newcastle City Council was the first local authority to approve plans for a late-night levy in June last year.

Earlier this month, Nottingham City Council's licensing committee agreed to vary the licence of Wetherspoon's pub the Company Inn in Castle Wharf to remove authorisation to sell alcohol after midnight for as long as a late-night levy is enforced.

The variation was granted on the condition that if a levy is withdrawn in the city, JDW would have to give 28 days’ notice to police before its original 2am licence can be restored.