CONTROVERSIAL proposals for a new tax on pubs and clubs would be a perfectly reasonable policy, according to Worcester’s MP.

Robin Walker said the move, which has been heavily criticised by the trade, would be a good way of paying for the excesses of the late-night economy.

As your Worcester News reported last week, the Government is considering a late-night levy of between £299 and £4,400 on drinking establishments which open past midnight.

The cash would then be handed to district councils and police forces to pay for costs such as street cleaning.

Mr Walker said: “I think this policy is a perfectly reasonable one to think about in areas where the situation is problematic.

“It’s right that the rates should vary and right that it should be targeted at city centres. I’d be very surprised if it affects anyone else.

“I think it’s sensible to give councils a choice of having this levy to pay for costs in problem areas and it’s another example of the Government looking to increase powers for local councillors.”

If the levy is approved by the Home Office, councils will have the choice to opt out if they feel that the move is unpopular.

Supermarkets, theatres, shops and country pubs, defined as those trading in a village with a population below 3,000, are among a raft of establishments exempt from the proposal.

Councillor Jabba Riaz, chairman of Worcester City Council’s licensing committee, said: “We would have to look carefully at the costs of administering the levy and, when it comes to the money, how much the police would ring fence to deal with Worcester.

“There are lots of scenarios you would have to consider before it could be put into place, such as how many premises would qualify under the criteria.

“I don’t think it would be feasible for somewhere like Worcester, which is different from a larger conurbation like Birmingham.”

Consultations over the late-night levy have now closed with an announcement due in the summer.

The Local Government Association (LGA) has backed the tax, but wants councils to have at least a 50 per cent share of the money.

The Home Office proposal is suggesting a 70/30 split in favour of police forces.