Residents have called for a late night levy to be introduced for city centre bars and clubs amid concerns about drunken behavior in the early hours. 

City of Durham Parish Council members say tough measures are needed for businesses open post-midnight after issues with drunkenness, sexual harassment and misconduct.

Venues wanting to stay open late at night to maximise income should pay towards policing the nighttime economy, the council added. 

The levy, which could see some pay between £299 and £4,400 a year based on the rateable value of their property, would be used to help fund policing and clean-up operations.

It is hoped a similar levy introduced in Newcastle could be replicated in Durham City. 

Councillor Susan Walker, chair of the parish council, called for urgent action, saying: “We are of the view the late night levy will be another crucial tool in enabling all stakeholders to ensure that those people who come into the city centre are able to enjoy themselves in a safe and friendly environment.”

“The late night levy in Newcastle has been used to fund additional police officers’ hours, neighbourhood wardens, community protection officers, and projects to benefit those working and socialising in the night-time economy, including Club Host projects to reduce sexual harassment in clubs, defibrillators, first aid training, taxi marshals and street-cleaning.

“For us, it is a simple proposition – if you want to stay open late at night to maximise income from alcohol sales, you should pay towards policing the night-time economy.”

However, Durham County Council has admitted introducing a levy is not straightforward and requires detailed work as part of a wider licensing policy for the whole region. 

The local authority previously committed to review a proposed late night levy in the city but suggested it should only be done once the much-delayed Milburngate development in the city is completed.

Ian Harrison, business compliance manager, said: “There are complex legal, financial, and practical issues that must be considered when deciding if this measure would be suitable, and, due to the timescales involved, our licensing committee is recommending the issue is put forward for discussion at a future meeting and incorporated into the policy if deemed appropriate.

“Durham City is a popular night-time destination, with its bars, restaurants, and cultural venues contributing to the local economy and supporting jobs. 

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“We will continue to work with partners, including the parish council, Durham Constabulary, and night-time economy businesses, to ensure the city remains a safe place for people to live, work and enjoy a night out.”  

The local authority recently secured funding for its City Safety Hub programme until March 2025, after staff and volunteers dealt with 2,924 recordable incidents in the last two and a half years. 

A report, commissioned on behalf of the parish council, states: “The statistics from The Hub show it regularly deals with intoxication, sexual harassment and misconduct and gender-based violence. As these areas are identified for review in the licensing policy it is logical that the council should introduce a late night levy to fund initiatives which address them.”