As we reported back in Nov 2016 the British Beer & Pub Association and many others at the time urged Cheltenham Borough Council to scrap its Late Night Levy. Cheltenham Borough Council has now confirmed it will abandon its late-night levy in favour of the existing Business Improvement District. They then backed their decision and called on other local authorities to follow in its example and scrap the levy too.
Once again many across the hospitality and catering industry have reacted positively.
ALMR Chief Executive Kate Nicholls said: “The ALMR has repeatedly stated that, if local authorities are concerned with tackling perceived areas of alcohol-related harm and disorder, measures to work with, not against, the sector are far more helpful.
“Late-night levies are indiscriminate and heap financial pressure onto venues that are already contributing financially to the success of their areas. The levy is blunt tool that penalises hardworking businesses, threatens stability and investment, and is unlikely to effectively tackle any issues that a council may have.
The ALMR liaised closely with Cheltenham Borough Council throughout the initial consultation phase and has strongly opposed the introduction of similar measures across the country. It is very encouraging to see the Council see sense and abandon a measure that is potentially very harmful to local businesses. We urge other local authorities considering the introduction of a levy to follow Cheltenham’s example and focus on partnership schemes and a close working relationship with pubs, bars and nightclubs in their areas to help promote healthy attitudes.”