William Eichler 12 February 2016

Bevvy levy could prove a decent new funding stream for struggling councils

A small Slovenian town has hit upon an ingenious scheme to increase revenues, attract tourists, and get them very, very drunk: a beer fountain.

Zalec, a soon to be leading destination for British stag parties, has built the fountain in the middle of its town square where people will be able to pay 6 euros (£4.60) a glass.

At £270,000, the fountain is not cheap. However, the town’s mayor Janko Kos hopes it will more than pay for itself.

Speaking to The Sun, he said: ‘It's true the fountain won't be cheap. But it's a development project, a tourism product.’

Perhaps struggling local authorities in the UK could learn something from this clearly thought through money-making scheme.

Five minutes in any British city centre on a Friday night would show eager entrepreneurs the rich potential for outdoor drinking.

Second thoughts, perhaps not…

#Income generation

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Public Property

This issue of Public Property examines how how flexible workspaces can lead the way in regeneration for local authorities, Why local authority intervention is key to successful urban regeneration schemes and if the Government’s challenge of embracing beauty is an opportunity for communities.

The March issue also takes a closer look at Blackburn with Darwen Council's first digital health hub to help people gain control over health and care services.