UKHospitality has criticised Redbridge Council’s decision to consult on the introduction of a late-night levy.
UKHospitality Chief Executive Kate Nicholls said: “It is ridiculous that we are still having a conversation about the non-existent merits of the late-night levy and councils are still considering introducing it. The House of Lords Licensing Committee stated that it had limited benefits to policing and managing the late-night economy and recommended that it should be abolished.
“It is even more ludicrous that, at a time of near-unprecedented political and economic turmoil, Redbridge Council should seek to pile more costs on hard-working and valuable businesses in their area.
“If the levy is introduced, there is a very real possibility that venues will be squeezed out of the areas altogether.