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Off-trade alcohol vendors 'to pay levy for late-night licence'
Tue 06 Jul 2010
Both on-trade and off-trade alcohol vendors may have to pay a levy if they wish to open late at night.
The government is already considering changing the rules so premises such as bars and clubs must pay extra to have a late-night licence.
However, a source who has consulted with the Home Office over the matter has revealed that this policy could also be extended to retailers such as off-licences and supermarkets.
The insider told the Publican that while the plans have not been finalised, it is likely that both types of alcohol vendor will be required to pay the levy.
As a result, local authorities would not have to devote time to compiling evidence of a connection between specific premises and problems in a certain area late at night.
The source added that it is unclear whether the charge will apply to every establishment that opens after a particular time or just to individual retailers that have been chosen by the council.
Robert Botkai, a partner at Winckworth Sherwood Solicitors, commented: "This could be an unfair levy on the off-trade in the absence of evidence that stores selling alcohol during the night put a strain on local resources.
"The government has stated in guidance that shops, stores and supermarkets should generally be able to sell alcohol when open for trade.
"Off-licence premises come in all shapes and sizes. Let's hope that this levy does not come about."
This comes after it emerged that industry groups such as the British Beer & Pub Association and the BII are currently working together to issue a joint response to the government's plans to overhaul licensing laws in the UK.
