The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) has today reacted to Southwark Council’s decision to introduce a late-night levy.
The levy has just been approved by Southwark Council, and will come into effect on 1 September 2019.
The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) had previously called on the Council to reconsider its proposal to introduce a late-night levy, which it believes would be damaging for local pubs.
Brigid Simmonds, BBPA's Chief Executive, said, “Introducing a late-night levy is a backward step for Southwark. Late-night levies don’t effectively address alcohol-related issues. Instead, they unfairly tax well-run and responsible businesses such as pubs – many of which are SMEs already struggling to get by.
“The late-night levy could be the final nail in the coffin for some of Southwark’s community pubs. When business rates are the basis for the calculation, premises like pubs will pay a disproportionate share.”