The Licensing Committee of Southwark Council met virtually on Thursday 11 February 2021 and decided to maintain the Late Night Levy (LNL), with the council's portion of the revenue for 2019-20 to be allocated to the night time economy police. The committee also noted that a future meeting would be convened to agree on the spending of the council's 30% share of the levy after the current LNL year concludes.

Late Night Levy Review

The committee voted to maintain the Southwark Late Night Levy (LNL)^[1]^. This decision was made following a report presented by the principal licensing officer, supported by the licensing team leader and the regulatory services business unit manager. Members discussed the implications of removing the levy, including its impact on the funding of the night time economy team. They also expressed frustration with current legislation that prevents local authorities from temporarily suspending the levy, noting that the only options were to continue or remove it entirely. Officers confirmed that the council's 30% share of the levy revenue could not be used to directly support businesses due to legal restrictions on its expenditure.

The decision to maintain the levy was proposed by Councillor Renata Hamvas, Chair of the Licensing Committee, and seconded by Councillor Sunny Lambe. All members supported this proposal, with the exception of Councillor Sunil Chopra, who abstained.

Furthermore, the committee unanimously agreed that the council's 30% portion of the levy revenue for the year 2019-20, amounting to £88,048.50, would be allocated to the police to fund the night time economy team. The committee also noted that a future meeting would be scheduled to determine how the council's 30% share of the levy revenue would be spent after the current late night levy year ends on 31 August 2021.