Another Late Night Levy in London on its way

The London Borough of Southwark’s Late Night Levy is now one final step away from being adopted.

The Levy, an additional annual charge, will apply to all premises within the borough licensed to sell alcohol beyond midnight.

The Council’s Licensing Committee have recommended the Levy is adopted and the final decision will now be taken by Full Council on 17th July, and if agreed, the Levy may come into force on 1st September 2019.

Certain exemptions have been recommended including for premises with overnight accommodation, theatres, cinemas, registered community amateur sports clubs and all licensed premises permitted to only supply alcohol beyond midnight on New Year’s Eve into New Years Day.

I will keep you posted on the outcome of the Full Council meeting, and if the Levy is proposed, I understand there will be a period of at least a month in which premises can opt for a free minor variation to cut back permitted alcohol hours to midnight to avoid paying the Levy.

For operators in Southwark, or in other areas where a Levy is either in place or being proposed, if you would like to understand how this may affect your business and the options available to you, please contact licensing solicitor Suraj Desor on s.desor@popall.co.uk or call 0115 953 8500