A decision by Gloucester Council to reject a late night levy and establish instead a business improvement district (BID) has been welcomed by the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA).
At a meeting of the full council on the introduction of a levy yesterday, councillors rejected the idea, following a successful ballot on adopting a BID.
The move follows nearby Cheltenham, which scrapped its own levy after listening to concerns raised by the BBPA.
Furthermore, a recent House of Lords Committee report on licensing concluded that the late night levy has “failed to reach its objectives and should be abolished”.
BBPA chief executive, Brigid Simmonds, said: “This is a very wise and welcome decision from Gloucester, and highlights the fact that late night levies are an unwelcome new tax and do not work effectively to address local alcohol-related issues.
“Instead, the council’s proposed business improvement district will involve businesses as vital stakeholders in securing a safe, responsible, local environment.
“Gloucester’s pubs employ around 1,600 people, and add £43 million to the local economy each year. It is right that the council will now work in partnership to help local pubs and other businesses to thrive.”
