A LATE night levy to deter bars and clubs from staying open until the early hours is being mooted by a senior councillor, the Gazette can reveal.

Legislation allows local authorities in England and Wales to tax licensed premises for opening late at night to help cover the costs associated with managing the late night economy.

The plans are being put forward by Mike Lilley, Colchester councillor responsible for licensing and public safety, in a bid to help pay for town centre policing and cleaning up after revellers go home.

Mr Lilley said: “We thought we’d liaise with people first to get the cooperation of the licensed premises so we can work together in having a trouble-free town, but if bars are going to ignore all of that and go for profits over policing, then it’s time we looked at it.

“In Liverpool, which is one of the cities the late-night levy exists, a lot of places have applied to have their licenses reduced.

“If premises wanted to do that to avoid the charge being imposed, we’d explore that option with them.

“The time now has come because the cuts are really biting.

“At the council, we’ve been cut to the bone, as has the police. We need to do something different.”

The levy was introduced through the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 and operates between midnight and 6am.

At least 70 per cent of the net levy revenue must be given to the police and crime commissioner, based on an amount which is prescribed nationally off of the current licence fee system.

Talks are being planned with Roger Hirst, Essex’s crime commissioner, on how police the police in Colchester could specifically benefit from the arrangement. But the plans are in their infancy.

Mr Lilley added: “Silk Road opens until 4.30am and now Fashions want to open until the same time.

“With all those people out on the streets, who could be very drunk, the town centre will revert back to when Queen Street was the worst place in Colchester.

“It’s got so much better down there because there aren’t many late night bars.

“Silk Road manages its door really well, so its very disappointing Fashions has decided to go down this route.

“I’ve asked council officers to prepare a report which will go to cabinet for its approval, then the licensing committee, and it will be taken from there.”

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