A Bolton town centre late night levy is to take action from February 1 after it was approved by councillors at the town hall unanimously.

The tax on those with a late night licence is one way to tackle anti-social behaviour and criminal behaviour in areas such as Bradshawgate.

According to Greater Manchester Police (GMP), there is "a really, really robust policing response", but it is at a price of more than £300,000 in the last year and a half in Bolton town centre.

The tax on those with a late night licence to provide any refreshment between the hours of 3am and 6am is to provide for the policing response and the associated activities by the council.

There were two consultations over the course of the last year and a half and it was approved by councillors at the town hall on Wednesday.

David Chadwick, the chair of the licensing committee, said: "At the weekend a team of police officers patrol the town centre and we need to be supportive of their aim of protecting people.

"GMP think the late night levy is important in supporting them."

(Image: Bolton Council) Martyn Cox, the Conservative Group leader and the ex-council leader, said: "This arose through [Chief Superintendent] Stephanie Parker coming to see me about the mayhem between 3am and 6am with assaults on police officers and assaults on members of the public.

"This is not a night-time economy. It is important to do something."

All affected businesses are split across Band A to Band E based on the affected businesses' rateable value or rental value.

All revenue is split between the authorities, in this case the council, and the police, in this case GMP, to be spent in Bolton.

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 is for businesses in Band D and Band E 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.