Licensees, residents and businesses can submit a response to the proposals until Tuesday 5 November. However, Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council has not confirmed when the levy would come into effect if approved.
The levy would enable the council to charge licensed premises for the sale of alcohol between 1am and 6am seven days a week. The fee would be exempt on New Year’s Eve but would apply to all premises licensed to sell alcohol, including country village pubs, theatres, cinemas, bingo halls and hotels.
No exceptions
The consultation document issued by the Council stated: “The Council is not proposing to exempt any premises from paying the levy because we consider that all late night licensed premises do to some extent, whether directly or indirectly, contribute towards the need to police the late night economy.”
The amount of levy that each venue would have to pay is calculated through its rateable value and use of the premises. The fee ranges from £299 to £4,400 annually.
The legislation requires that at least 70% of the net income from the levy must be apportioned to Greater Manchester Police, while Tameside can retain 30% to spend on measures to reduce or prevent crime and disorder, promote public safety and tackle public nuisance.
However, subject to approval by the Police and Crime Commissioner, Tameside Council has proposed to develop a single programme, delivered in partnership between the Council, police and licensees, to decide how the money should be spent.
To read the consultation briefing and submit a response, visit the Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council’s website.