A scheme which could lead to the council raising more than £160,000 from pubs open later than midnight has been slammed as being a ‘cash-cow’.
On Tuesday night, Northampton Borough Council’s licensing committee met to hear the latest update on the plans - which could be introduced in October.
Councillors were told that the ‘late-night levy’ – a charge for premises selling alcohol open between midnight and 6am – could bring in £164,511 from 178 businesses in Northampton.
Of that money, £111,480 would go to the police and £47,790 to the council; while £5,340 would be deducted for ‘administration’.
UKIP MEP for Northampton Derek Clark said: “This is yet another cash-cow to be milked by cynical politicians.
“Very possibly clubs could find this kind of money but pubs are already up against it with the smoking ban and unfair competition from supermarkets selling cheap booze.
"With 20 pubs across the country closing every week they need help, not more cost reducing income. Pubs are a vital part of life where people meet and socialise. They are frequently the focal point of the community, a priceless facility.”
A council spokesman said: “It is only a proposal, something the Government is still discussing.
“On Tuesday night councillors were just getting an update as to where the plan is at.”
