The Licensing Committee has proposed for the Late Night Levy to end on 31st October 2026.
The Late Night Levy was initially introduced in 2013 to assist with the costs of managing the night-time economy, particularly in relation to alcohol-related crime and disorder. The Levy currently applies to premises which are licensed to serve alcohol between midnight and 6am.
Earlier in the year a consultation was initiated following representations received from the licensed trade in relation to the financial burden placed on them by the additional cost of the annual Levy fee. In the final report on the review of the Late Night Levy in Newcastle Upon Tyne which was prepared for the Committee meeting held on 24th August 2026, it was highlighted that 93% of respondents supported the abolition of the Levy.
At the Committee meeting it was concluded that members agreed to recommend the abolition of the Levy to the full Council in October.
A statutory consultation is now being held to obtain views on whether the Levy should be revoked. The Committee are keen to understand any views on the impact of the abolition, whether there are any alternative arrangements which would be considered to mitigate adverse impacts and any other observations which the Council should take into account before making a final determination.
Details of the consultation can be found here. Any comments on the consultation must be received by 22nd September 2026.
For more information, please feel free to contact any of our licensing solicitors on 0115 953 8500.
