Bolton's bars and clubs could contribute towards the cost of anti-social behaviour and crime under a scheme up for consideration by the council.

The authorities are considering starting a consultation on a tax on all businesses with a licence to sell alcohol between the hours of 3am and 6am.

Referred to as a late night levy, the scheme is an option to all councils since the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 12 years ago, although the number of councils to introduce it remains small. Other examples of the tax are to be seen in areas of Liverpool and Newcastle.

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The businesses are split into Bands A to E based on their rateable value, or in other words their rental value, with the charges set by central government.

All revenue is split between the authorities, in this case the council, and the police, in this case GMP, to be spent on their night time economy team.

It means Bolton's bars and clubs could contribute towards the cost of anti-social behaviour and crime which, for the second half of last year, is estimated at around £164524.

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A report for consideration by the licensing committee on April 4 said: "The impact on police resources from the night time economy is significant, and local senior police officers have approached the local authority requesting it considers the introduction of a levy."

The Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act allows for exemptions to businesses such as bingo, cinemas, hotels and theatres.

If approved by the licensing committee, a consultation is set to run from May 8 to June 18, according to a timetable with the report.

Afterwards, the licensing committee would make a recommendation to the council, which would make a decision in the summer.

The late night levy would come into effect at the start of 2024.

The charges are set by central government. Here is a list of them:

Band A - rateable value of £0 to £4300 - £299/year
Band B - rateable value of £4301 to £33000 - £768/year
Band C - rateable value of £33001 to £87000 - £1259/year
Band D - rateable value of £87001 to £125000 - £1365/year
Band E - rateable value of £125001 and above - £1493/year
Band D x 2 multiplier = £2730/year*
Band E x 3 multiplier = £4440/year*

*The multiplier applies to Band D and Band E businesses where the sale of alcohol is their primary purpose or sole purpose.

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.