THE first step towards city bars and clubs paying a fee towards crime prevention at night has been taken.
From Monday, January 13, businesses that serve alcohol after midnight will be asked if they want to pay up to £4,440, depending on venue size, as part of a proposed Late Night Levy (LNL).
If given the go-ahead 70 per cent of the money will go to the police for more officers and 30 per cent will be used to provide three night time Community Protection Officers.
Chief executive Joanne Cox-Brown of the Malt Cross, St James's Street, Nottingham, said: "They have been talking about this for a while now and we are really opposed to it.
"We already pay our rates and work closely with the police and the council.
"We have been open 10 years and never had any trouble so why should we pay more.
"If it comes to it we will close our doors an hour early to avoid the levy."
Nottinghamshire Police estimate that policing and other arrangements to reduce and prevent alcohol-related crime and disorder between midnight and 6am in the city currently costs more than £1.5m a year.
The LNL could raise around £300,000 a year to contribute towards these costs and enhance existing arrangements, with extra police officers patrolling the city's streets at night.
However, some people think that if the LNL is brought in the charge will be passed on to the customer.
Student Charlotte McCann, 19, of Lenton said: "I think the bars would increase the price of drinks and entry to cover costs and some of them are already rather pricey.
"However, I think that policing in the evenings should be increased because I don't always feel particularly safe if I am not out in a group.
"I would rather spend a bit more and feel safer."
If the LNL goes ahead it will start from October 1 next year.
However, some businesses such as hotels, theatres, cinemas, bingo halls, sports clubs and community centres will be exempt from the levy.
Student Sophie Cummins, 19, of Lenton said: "I feel safe but extra policing would always be welcome.
"However, I think it would be bad for bars because people rely on pre-drinking as it is and would do even more so if the cost was to rise."
The 12-week consultation also includes an option which would see all businesses signed up to Nottingham Business Improvement District (BID) get a 30 per cent discount.
The decision to start the public consultation was made at a Nottingham City Council Licensing Committee meeting this morning.
Councillor Mohammed Ibrahim said: "There are some serious problems in the city and it is about time we do something.
"I think all those that are doing serious business in the city should pay.
"I think we should have a consultation so people can express their opinions over the proposal."
