Clubs and bars in Bolton will be charged to pay for policing if council plans agreed

Late night bars and clubs in Bolton could be charged to support policing in the early hours if measures proposed by the council are agreed. Bolton Council is asking residents and businesses whether pubs, clubs and bars should pay a levy to support policing and other safety measures.

They said that a late night levy be introduced for premises licensed to sell or supply alcohol between 3am and 6am. Launching a consultation on the scheme they said the levy would be a ‘small charge, set by government’ and the income would support both the police and the council to tackle crime, anti-social behaviour and litter.

They added that it would also help fund other initiatives associated with operation of a night time economy. Businesses, both licensed and unlicensed, are being encouraged to have their say on the proposals and how it would affect them.

Many of the affected late night businesses which would be affected by the imposition of such a levy are concentrated on the Bradshawgate area of the town. The council is also asking for public opinion on whether some venues and organisations such as theatres and hotels should be exempt from the levy.

A spokesperson for Bolton Council, said: “We encourage residents and businesses to have their say on these proposals by taking part in the consultation. “All feedback will be taken into account during the decision making process”.

Licensing authorities were given the power to introduce the levy through the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011. The government has given a description of the late night levy.

It said: “it is a discretionary power enabling licensing authorities in England and Wales to collect a financial contribution from premises that profit from the sale of alcohol late at night (between 3am and 6am) and to put the funds raised towards policing and other costs associated with the management of the night time economy.”

The survey is now live and will run until June 18 and can be completed on Bolton Council’s website.