Yesterday’s decision by Gloucester Council to reject a Late Night Levy and establish instead a BID (Business Improvement District) has been warmly welcomed by the BBPA.
At a meeting of the Full Council on the introduction of a Levy yesterday, councillors rejected the idea, following a successful ballot on adopting a BID.
The move follows nearby Cheltenham, which scrapped its own Levy after listening to concerns raised by the BBPA.
Furthermore, a recent House of Lords Committee report on licensing, concluded that the Late Night Levy has “failed to reach its objectives and should be abolished”.
Brigid Simmonds, BBPA Chief Executive, comments:
“This is a very wise and welcome decision from Gloucester, and highlights the fact that Late Night Levies are an unwelcome new tax and do work effectively to address local alcohol-related issues.
“Instead, the Council’s proposed Business Improvement District will involve businesses as vital stakeholders in securing a safe, responsible, local environment.
“Gloucester’s pubs employ around 1,600 people, and add £43 million to the local economy, each year. It is right that the Council will now work in partnership to help local pubs and other businesses to thrive.”