UKH warns against Westminster plan for late-night levy

Westminster City Council’s plans to consult on a late-night levy risk undermining its own ambitions to boost the night-time economy, UKHospitality has warned.

The trade body, which represents hospitality operators, has formally responded to the council’s consultation. While welcoming several proposals, including expanding the night bus and tube network, increasing CCTV coverage, and supporting a unified licensing framework, it called on the council to drop the levy consultation.

In addition, UKH warned that additional costs for businesses could jeopardise the ‘Westminster After Dark’ strategy, which aims to improve the borough’s late-night offer through initiatives such as new entertainment zones and enhanced public transport.

UKH backed the concept of designated late-night entertainment zones but warned that areas excluded from these zones – including Soho and Leicester Square – should not be penalised.

The response also supported embedding the agent of change principle and improving digital connectivity, while stressing the importance of maintaining operational flexibility for venues.

Kate Nicholls, chair of UKH, said: “Much of what Westminster City Council has proposed is positive for the night-time economy, but these initiatives would be undermined if further, unnecessary costs are forced on hospitality businesses.

“Venues are already battling with the additional £3.4bn annual increase imposed upon them in April and implementing further taxes in some of London’s most well-known and vibrant areas, like Soho, would be a huge mistake.”

She added: “It’s clear the council wants to work with the night-time economy to enhance its late-night offering and that’s something we completely support.

“My overriding message to the council would be to work with the sector collaboratively to make this a success, and recognise that its own ambitions could be jeopardised by simultaneously imposing unnecessary costs on the sector.”