Issue - meetings

The Director of Neighbourhood Services submitted a report in respect of the consideration of a draft response to Home Office consultation on Early Morning Restriction Orders (EMROs) and the Late Night Levy.

The Interim Licensing Manager advised that, following debate and amendment by Members, Officers had responded to Home Office consultation in respect of EMROs and the Late Night Levy, which should come into force on 1 October 2012.

Members were advised that secondary legislation might now exempt certain types of premises from EMROs.  Venues that generally operated responsibly and did not contribute to alcohol related problems would be exempt, e.g. theatres, hotels or bingo halls.

The Interim Licensing Manager detailed the likely amounts that could be paid by premises in respect of a late night levy.  He stressed that the amount paid would vary depending on how long a premises remained open after midnight.  70% of the levied funds would go to the police whilst the remaining 30% would go to the Local Authority.

Members were advised that the police were in favour of EMROs, whereby a venue was not permitted to be open during certain times, for example between midnight and 3 am.  EMROs could be in force as early as March 2013.  The Interim Licensing Manager stated however, that EMROs and the Late Night Levy were mutually exclusive so it was likely that only one of these options would be implemented.

Councillor R Beeching commented on whether the costs associated with collecting the Late Night Levy might prove to be more than the amount that could be retrieved.  In response to queries from Councillors E Buckmaster and P Moore, Members were advised that the Late Night Levy would apply to retailers and would ultimately apply to anyone selling alcohol.

The Committee received the report.

RESOLVED – that the report be received.