Bolton Council is asking residents and businesses whether pubs, clubs and bars should pay a levy to support policing.
Bolton Council is proposing that a late night levy be introduced for premises licensed to sell or supply alcohol between 3am and 6am.
The levy would be a small charge, set by government and the revenue would support both the police and the council to tackle crime, antisocial behaviour and litter.
It would also help fund other initiatives associated with operation of a night time economy.
Businesses are encouraged to have their say on the proposals and how it would affect them, both licenced and unlicenced.
In addition, the council is 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 describes the late night levy as 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 will run from 9 May – 18 June and can be completed online: https://bit.ly/BoltonLNL.