Call for Portsmouth pubs to face ‘trouble tax’ to pay for police

Calls have been made for pubs and clubs linked to alcohol-fuelled crime to be charged increased licence fees. City officials say late-night venues in troublespots should have to stump up the ‘trouble tax’ to help cover the cost of dealing with problems caused by alcohol.

The extra cash would go towards community safety measures in problem areas including extra policing. And it is hoped the move would encourage venues to be more responsible to avoid having to pay the fee.

It comes as figures reveal an average 14 violent crimes are reported in Portsmouth every day – and police estimate up to 60% are alcohol-related. The cost of policing late-night drinking areas in the city was an estimated £500,000 in December alone.

Neeta Dhorajia from Portsmouth Business Crime Reduction Partnership said: ‘PBCRP in principle does agree with businesses contributing to the need of additional services in creating and maintaining a safer night-time economy. However, it is important that they are not unduly overcharged especially with the late-night levy and additional financial commitments they have to make and given the current trading climate.’

For the full story from Portsmouth.co.uk, click here.

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