Proposals will now be forwarded to a meeting of full Council for further consideration on Thursday
Proposals are set to be approved which will see businesses who sell alcohol, contribute towards keeping the streets safe during the night time.
The levy will apply to licensed premises, such as shops and bars, operating between midnight and 6am.
Around 113 shops and bars across the borough will be charged.
The amount, however, will be based on their rateable value, whether they primarily or exclusively are used to sell alcohol and whether it is served on their premises.
74 per cent of respondents to a formal statutory consultation held last summer, which invited responses from local businesses, supported the proposal to introduce the levy.
It is predicted almost £80,000 per year will be raised, which will fund additional enforcement officers to patrol the streets.
The proposals have been approved by councillors at a special meeting of the Council’s Licensing Committee.
The next step sees them forwarded to a meeting of full Council for further consideration on Thursday, 16 January.
Leader of Redbridge Council, Councillor Jas Athwal, said: “This is fantastic news for local people. The levy will ensure Redbridge continues to enjoy a vibrant night-time economy, while preventing antisocial behaviour and keeping our streets safe.
“Whilst most premises and their customers are responsible, there is an undeniable impact associated to the late-night sale of alcohol, and its effect on anti-social behaviour, as well as the cleanliness of our streets.
“It is only right that those businesses, which are selling alcohol during these times, are helping to fund the costs of addressing these issues. We expect there to be benefits to all involved from having a safer, cleaner environment.”
The proposals will go before full council next week.
Tags: Redbridge, Ilford
