Late Night Levy Shuts Notts Pubs And Clubs Early

1 November 2014, 07:57 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

Over 100 landlords have chosen to shut their Nottingham pubs and clubs before midnight - to avoid paying the late night levy.

It comes into force today - and they'll have to pay up to just less than £4,500 to serve booze after hours to help fund the cost of policing after midnight.

While 117 have chosen to close early, 218 have agreed to pay the fee.

The charges - issued by Nottingham City Council - begin at £299 and go up to £4,440 a year.

The council says all members of the Nottingham BID (Business Improvement District) are also exempt from paying, but through their membership fees, already contribute to schemes which help to keep the city centre safe at night, such as Taxi Marshalls, Street Pastors, Radiolink, Purple Flag and Best Bar None.

Premises such as theatres, cinemas, bingo halls, sports clubs and community halls are also exempt.

Funds from the scheme will be used by Nottinghamshire Police and Nottingham City Council to contribute towards the estimated £1.5m annual costs of policing and managing alcohol-related activities between midnight and 6am in Nottingham.

City Council Leader, Councillor Jon Collins, said: "Nottingham is a very popular night-time destination and we want to make sure that people continue to choose to come here and are able to enjoy a safe night out when they do.

"The funds generated through a Late Night Levy mean that licensed premises will add to the range of activities currently funded by the public purse that have seen the city repeatedly awarded Purple Flag status in recent years, recognising Nottingham as a safe and enjoyable night out."

Head of Licensing Pete Mitchell said: "The introduction of the Levy is not just about generating a fund to help tackle late night issues, but about being able to manage the night time economy better. A reduction in the number of premises that are open beyond midnight helps to do this, with less demand on council resources to deal with issues that can sometimes emerge from late night premises, such as cleaning, complaints about noise or other anti-social behaviour."