Upcoming Events :
Housing Seminar: Partnerships with the Public Sector – Avoiding the pitfalls
Thu 31 May 2012
Minerva House, 5 Montague Close, London, SE1 9BB
ACPO: Late-night levy is essential
Thu 16 Feb 2012
Introducing a charge for licensed premises that want to keep trading during the early hours is necessary, according to the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO).
Ian Graham, chairman of the group, told the Publican's Morning Advertiser that the late-night levy is required in the current climate.
Indeed, he argued that police forces would get nearly three-quarters of the charge, thereby enabling them to continue providing the same quality of service at a time when they are dealing with funding cuts.
Mr Graham added that police forces "need the money" generated by the levy, which he said could be a "valuable" tool.
The proposed charge, which is part of a package of changes in the Police Reform & Social Responsibility Act, has been met with some resistance from industry representatives.
For instance, Brigid Simmonds of the British Beer & Pub Association has argued the move could "decrease the amount of partnership working" in the late-night economy.
Robert Botkai, a partner at Winckworth Sherwood Solicitors, commented: "The levy is potentially unfair. Pubs closing at 11pm will not contribute. A small off licence open after 11pm will be subject to the levy. It's not just about 'pubs, bars and clubs'."
