At a meeting held earlier this week, the executive board concurred with the council’s scrutiny board’s recommendations, which were outlined after it carried out an investigation.
The scrutiny board suggested that it does not pursue the introduction of a late-night levy; licensing officers work with partners, including the licensing trade, to develop and enhance the various existing voluntary initiatives; and the executive board reiterates its openness to support a Business Improvement District (BID), which includes initiatives to manage the night time economy.
The executive board was asked to consider the licensing committee’s proposal for the fee in September and has now referred the matter back to the licensing committee.
The licensing committee will reconsider its former decision to consult on the late-night levy on 14 January 2014.
Earlier this week, Cheltenham Borough Council became the second local authority to approve proposals for a late-night levy. Newcastle City Council was the first authority to agree to the tax in June.