Another Late Night Levy in London looms closer

“The London Borough of Redbridge’s Licensing Committee approved the introduction of the Late Night Levy (Levy) last night, 9th January 2020, with no exemptions, except premises which sell alcohol on the morning of New Year’s Day only, and no reductions for any businesses.

This recommendation had been deferred from September 2019 when the Licensing Committee suggested further consultation take place, including with the Mayor of London and London’s Night Czar.

The Committee have recommended the Council introduce the levy for Redbridge with an implementation date of 1st May 2020 and that the levy applies to licensed premises permitted to sell alcohol between 12:01am to 06.00am.

The Committee also recommended proposals to establish a board to oversee the use of the levy fund and that subject to further consultation with the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime, that the Metropolitan Police share of 70% and Council share of 30% be pooled, and total net levy funds be retained by the Council and applied locally to Partnership activities. This is an approach now commonly adopted by Councils who have implemented the levy, particularly those in London.

The final step in the approval processes is for the Full Council to approve the Licensing Committee’s recommendations at a meeting, which we understand will be next week 16th January 2020. If approved, the Levy will then be implemented in-line with the agreed proposal.

I will keep you posted on the outcome of the Full Council meeting, and if the Levy is implemented, there will be a period 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 Redbridge, 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 “