Late Night Restaurant Proposed on Derby Street, Bolton

What is the new restaurant proposal on Derby Street in Bolton?

As reported by The Bolton News journalist (Darren Campbell), a new planning application has been lodged for a late night restaurant on Derby Street in Bolton. The proposal involves a retrospective change of use and conversion of the existing business premises, classified under Class E (which covers commercial, business, and service uses), into a hot food restaurant. Additionally, the plan includes the installation of a canopy at the premises.

This development aligns with the growing late night food sector in Bolton, particularly in the town centre area where vibrant night-time economy activities are a key focus. The exact address related to this application is 271 Derby Street, Bolton BL3 6LA, according to available planning records.

What is the Late Night Levy and how does it affect this proposal?

The Bolton Council, following extensive public consultations, approved the introduction of a Late Night Levy that will come into effect on 1 February 2025. This levy targets licensed premises within Bolton Town Centre that sell alcohol or provide late night food between the hours of 3am and 6am. The levy is designed as an additional annual fee based on premises' rateable value and their use for alcohol sales or food provision.

Suraj Desor, Associate Solicitor, detailed on Popall News that this levy will affect approximately 39 venues, including bars, takeaways, and supermarkets. The funds raised will primarily support enhanced policing to address anti-social behaviour and crime related to the night-time economy, with up to 30% retained by Bolton Council to fund related public services.

No exemptions or reductions are planned broadly, highlighting the council's intent to target venues benefiting from late night authorisations. Licence holders will be formally notified by 1 November 2024 and will have the opportunity to adjust licence hours to avoid the levy period.

What were the public reactions and concerns about the Late Night Levy?

A detailed consultation conducted by Bolton Council between December 2023 and January 2024 revealed mixed views among stakeholders. The consultation document obtained from Bolton Council’s online reports highlights that 79 respondents supported the introduction of the levy in a zoned area, recognising its potential to mitigate anti-social behaviour which often peaks between 3am and 6am.

However, concerns were raised about potential negative impacts on the hospitality industry, which remains vulnerable after pandemic-related challenges. Some local licensed businesses indicated reluctance to amend licences despite the levy, fearing financial strain.

Respondents generally agreed that certain venues, such as theatres, cinemas, overnight accommodation, and community venues, should be exempt. The majority opposed a blanket 30% discount for small business rate holders but favoured a similar discount for businesses participating in recognised Best Practice Schemes.

Why is the Late Night Levy considered necessary by Bolton Council?

According to the council’s reports, the Late Night Levy is a targeted measure to tackle the increased crime and anti-social behaviour associated with the late night economy. Comments from the consultation included testimonies from individuals working in the night-time economy who cited a notable rise in trouble and public safety concerns during the designated levy hours.

For example, one respondent noted, “As someone who works night time economy in the town centre the crime and anti social behaviour vastly increases between the times of 3am and 6am as people are staying out later when they don't need to, consuming vast amounts of alcohol which affects the safety of members of the public and people working in the town centre,” as referenced in the consultation summary.

How will the levy impact the new restaurant on Derby Street?

The proposed late night restaurant on Derby Street will fall within the new zoned levy area and, if operating during the levy hours, will be subject to the additional fee. This applies not only to alcohol-serving venues but also to those licenced to sell hot food after 3am.

While the levy aims to fund essential services to maintain public safety, it poses potential financial implications for the restaurant operator and other similar businesses. The council’s policy allows premises to vary licensed hours to avoid being liable for the levy, providing some operational flexibility.

What are the next steps in the planning and levy process for this restaurant and Bolton Town Centre?

Formal notification letters concerning the levy will be dispatched to relevant license holders by November 1, 2024. After notification, licensees have until the levy start date, 1 February 2025, to apply for licence variations at no cost if they want to reduce hours and circumvent levy charges.

Meanwhile, the restaurant proposal on Derby Street will go through the council’s planning application process, where public comments and local authority assessments will determine its approval or required modifications. The council’s planning portal shows that the application is active but does not yet have a decision.