Pubs to pay for police

Pubs and restaurants will have to pay for extra policing to tackle latenight drunkenness under proposals by David Blunkett.

The Home Secretary, under growing pressure from Downing Street to tackle yob culture, is considering the levy in town and city centres.

The West End of London alone attracts 300,000 drinkers on a typical Saturday night.

At present, police can charge clubs and music venues for cover only for one-off events such as festivals.

The new levy, which would also apply to fast-food outlets, could be included in a White Paper on antisocial behaviour to be published later this month.

The plan was inspired by a pilot scheme operating in Peter Street, Manchester. The road is patrolled by two extra constables - one paid for by the police authority and the other funded voluntarily by clubs and bars.

But the proposed compulsory levy has provoked anger in the food and drink industry, which already generates £12billion from tax on alcohol sales each year.

Landlord Jason French, of the Akenside Traders pub in Newcastle, described it as 'another scam for the Government, another stealth tax'.

Mark Hastings, of the British Beer and Pub Association, which represents brewers and pub owners, said: 'Perhaps the Home Office should direct the police to arrest and prosecute thugs, rather than picking the pockets of publicans.'

Ministers also fear the Government may appear to be sending mixed messages amid moves to extend drinking hours.

The new licensing Bill about to enter its report stage in the House of Lords will introduce more flexible opening hours, which could pave the way for 24-hour drinking.

Last week, Mr Blunkett announced plans to force heavy drinkers into detox under a new mental health Bill.