Proposal to introduce a late night levy in the Borough of Camden

Overview

The late night levy (LNL) is a power available to licensing authorities under the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011. It enables the Council in its role as the licensing authority to require all premises in Camden that are licensed to sell alcohol between midnight and 6am, to make a financial contribution towards the costs of policing the night-time economy (NTE).

The LNL applies to premises that are licensed to supply alcohol for consumption both on and off the premises. The LNL does not apply to temporary event notices or to other licensable activities such as late night refreshment (sale of hot food between 11pm and 5am) or regulated entertainment (live or recorded music or dancing).

If it is introduced, the LNL will apply to the whole of the borough and the revenue that is raised may be used to fund services and activities to tackle alcohol-related crime and disorder which is connected to the supply of alcohol between midnight and 6am. These services and activities must be used to:

1. reduce crime and disorder
2. promote public safety
3. reduce or prevent public nuisance
4. clean any relevant highway or land in Camden

Between 14 February 2015 and 8 May 2015, the Council carried out a non-statutory consultation on the introduction of a LNL in Camden:

182 responses to the consultation were received with 120 (66%) supporting the introduction of the LNL in Camden.

Of the 60 respondents opposing the introduction of the LNL, 84% considered that businesses already contribute through existing taxes towards tackling alcohol related crime and disorder and anti-social behaviour. The remaining two respondents did not express a view.  

Of those who support the introduction of a LNL, 79% supported a single programme of measures to be delivered in partnership by the police and the Council. Particular areas of concern are litter, urinating in the street, high levels of alcohol abuse, ASB and noise.

Following the consultation, a Key Information Document was produced to consider the points raised by the respondents, and to provide relevant information to help the licensing authority determine whether there is a need for a LNL in Camden and whether it would be viable to introduce it. You can view the consultation results and the Key Information Document by clicking on the links in the Related Documents section below.

On 8 October 2015 Camden's Licensing Committee considered these documents and listened to the concerns of some key stakeholders. After deliberating the Committee concluded that there is a need for a LNL in Camden and that its introduction is a viable proposition. The Licensing Committee then made a formal proposal to introduce the LNL in Camden and agreed to carry out a statutory consultation on the proposal.

The consultation will start on Tuesday 13 October 2015 and will end at mid-night on Monday 9 November 2015.  

Why your views matter

The licensing authority has made a formal proposal to introduce the LNL in Camden and it must now follow a legal procedure and consult on that proposal.

We would like to hear your views on whether you agree or disagree with each element of the proposal and any comments you have in respect of the proposed model.

Please read the notes on each page carefully before you answer the question and give your view by clicking next to your chosen answer. You will be unable to move on to the next question unless you provide an answer. If in doubt please select the "Don't know" option.

If you prefer not to complete this online consultation you may send your views in writing marked "Late night levy consultation" to:

David Curtis, Senior Licensing Officer, London Borough of Camden, Floor 8, 5 Pancras Square, London, N1C 4AG

or email david.curtis@camden.gov.uk

What happens next

After the consultation closes, we will analyse the results and compile a report which the Licensing Committee will be asked to consider on 18 November 2015.

The Licensing Committee will then consider the responses and any other relevant information before making a recommendation to the full Council on whether to introduce the LNL.