The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) Chief Executive, Brigid Simmonds, has expressed disappointment at a decision by the London Borough of Hackney to consult on implementing a Late Night Levy in the Borough.
Brigid Simmonds comments:
“It is very disappointing to see a vibrant central London borough like Hackney seek to impose this new tax on local businesses, many of which are already reeling from rocketing business rates in the capital. An extra new tax would only deter investment further.
“It is also a real disincentive for local businesses to work constructively with the council on improving the borough – it undermines partnership schemes between pubs, councils and the police, which can produce very positive results.
“Other councils in big cities, such as Bristol and Leeds have stepped back from a Levy, and only weeks ago, Cheltenham became the first council to abolish its Levy completely, as it didn’t raise the money expected.
“This is a move in the wrong direction. We will be making all these points very clearly to the Council, and I hope they reconsider these plans.”