BOSSES at a Southampton music venue say they have been forced to launch a bid to stay open until 4am due to a new tax imposed on bars and clubs by the city council.

The owners of 1865 will face licensing chiefs today, saying the fee they have to pay as part of the city council’s controversial late night levy means they would otherwise be threatened with closure.

And their bid has proven controversial, with a number of residents living near to the city centre venue opposing it, saying it could lead to more noise disturbance.

The Brunswick Square venue, which features a wide range of live music, comedy and dance performances as well as other events, opened 18 months ago.

But since then Labour council chiefs have introduced the levy, which sees venues pay an annual fee if they are open after midnight.

Owner Paul Hooper told the Daily Echo: “In order to pay the levy we will need the option on occasion to stay open later to generate sufficient extra revenue to fund the increased cost of working.

“In light of the levy this puts us in a difficult position. If we were to surrender our ability to trade beyond midnight it would undoubtedly compromise our ability to attract many types of bookings which expect to run until past midnight: family parties, wedding receptions and the like.

“Whether that would lead to the demise of the business is impossible to predict but there is no question that it would make trading much more difficult which could ultimately lead to the loss of a facility that provides a valuable part of the city’s cultural and social life.”

Mr Hooper was appearing at the council’s licensing and gambling sub-committee today to put forward his case, having agreed a number of conditions with Hampshire Constabulary, including not permitting anyone to enter or re-enter the venue after 2am.

But six objections have been made to the application by residents living near to the venue.

One, Kristine Nolan, said she had experienced more noise since the venue reopened, adding: “the only current relief is that they are only open to the current hours.

“If the opening hours are extended, the noise will be a constant nuisance seven days a week and will affect the neighbouring residents including myself immensely.”

And fellow resident James Corlass said: “Since opening the club has caused a constant noise nuisance and despite the alterations to the venue, noise is still a major problem.”

Responding to the residents’ concerns, Mr Hooper added: “With regard to potential noise issues, the premises has operated continuously under planning permission as a nightclub since 1983 with the existing operating hours.

“Since taking over 18 months ago we have always had an open and constructive relationship with the city council’s Environmental Health Department and we have proactively put many buildings improvements and procedures in place to meet our obligations to our neighbours.

“We are currently in discussion with them with regard to the application and any further measures necessary.”

Daily Echo:

What is the late-night levy?

THE levy was approved by the city council last year with the support of Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Hayes.

Venues operating after midnight pay an annual fee of between £299 and £4,440, with the council anticipating £240,000 will be raised every year.

Seventy per cent will go to the police and 30 per cent to the council, with the money spent on managing the city’s night-time economy, taxi marshalling, street cleaning and improving CCTV coverage.

It could also go on running an In Case of Emergency (ICE) bus to help people who are injured or in need of help, new temporary public conveniences and street pastors.