Published: Monday, 11th Dec 2023

The council is looking for further input from residents and businesses on the introduction of a late night levy.

In May and June this year, the council ran a public consultation, asking for the views of the hospitality sector, wider stakeholders and residents on the proposal to introduce a late night levy for businesses serving alcohol between the hours of 3am and 6am.

On July 13, the government amended the Policing and Crime Act 2017 for all local authorities to include late night refreshment premises in the late night levy and removed the need to apply the levy to the whole local authority area.

Following the change, the council are now proposing a further consultation on the introduction of a more focussed late night levy in Bolton town centre only.

Changes would also include businesses serving late night refreshments, such as takeaways, in addition to the premises licensed to sell alcohol.

The late night economy can generate crime, antisocial behaviour, litter, and people needing support.

The council and police currently fund officers who deal with many of these issues.   

To help support this activity, the council are proposing that a levy is introduced to fund officers from both Greater Manchester Police and Bolton Council, operating in the night time economy.

Cllr Sue Haworth, Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Regulatory Services, said:

“We thank those residents and businesses who gave us their views on introducing a late night levy when we consulted earlier this year.

“Following changes to the Policing and Crime Act 2017, we now are asking for further input from the public before these recommendations are put forward for consideration.”

You can have your say here.

The consultation will run from December 11 to January 22 next year.