Bars and takeaways in Bolton to be charged a ‘late night levy’ of up to £1,500 if they stay open after 3am

Dozens of bars and takeaways in Bolton are set to pay a ‘late night levy’ to help pay for policing and cleaning up. A policy set to be agreed next week will charge town centre businesses open between 3am and 6am up to £1,493 per year, depending on the rateable value of the premises.

In August, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) provided details of their activity in Bolton town centre over the previous 18-month period. There were 429 arrests, 380 stop and searches, 48 dispersal notices and 515 licensed premises compliance checks.

Crimes recorded included 136 drunk and disorderly and 32 public order and affray offences. GMP said the impact on police resources from Bolton’s night time economy is ‘significant’.

Senior police officers approached Bolton Council requesting that it consider introducing a levy. If the plans are agreed a a licensing meeting next week the levy will be imposed on 39 businesses in the town and will be payable annually.

The majority of funds raised will go to the police but the council will be able to retain up to 30 per cent to fund services it provides to tackle late night alcohol-related crime and disorder, and services connected to the management of the night time economy. The charge to businesses will vary from £299 for those with a rateable value of zero to £4,500 and £1,493 for premises with a rateable value over £125,000.

The report states there are currently 39 bars, takeaways and supermarket premises within Bolton that would be subject to the levy. GMP said there were ‘reccurring problems in relation to violence, including violence against women and girls, persons being drunk and disorderly, assaults on the police, and the supply of drugs and drug taking’ in Bolton town centre.

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They added: “These are all a significant impact on limited resources and the reputation of Bolton.” The council report, said: “The introduction of a late-night levy will enable the council to charge an additional fee to businesses that
sell alcohol and late night refreshments, thereby raising funds to contribute to the cost of additional policing, and council services required to support the late-night economy.

“Revenue raised from the levy would be used to reduce or prevent late night alcohol‐related crime, disorder, and nuisance, and improve public safety and street cleaning.” The start date for the levy is set to be February 1, 2025.

Non-payment of the levy could result in suspension of a premises licence by the council.