A late night levy for businesses selling alcohol after 1am is being considered by Plymouth City Council.

The council said the fee, which would be paid by premises selling alcohol between 1am and 6am, would help cover the costs of keeping the streets clean and safe.

The money raised would be used to fund CCTV improvements, street cleaning, taxi marshals, and personal safety initiatives.

Cllr Philippa Davey, the council's cabinet member for safer and stronger communities said: 'With more cuts on the way for our services and those of the police, we need to give this real consideration if Plymouth is to continue to offer a safe night out.

'The police estimate that they spend around £500,000 a year on cover relating to nights out in Plymouth - with budgets being squeezed, surely we need to ask those who profit from people drinking to contribute?'

The council consulted on the idea earlier this year but put the plans on hold pending a Government Licensing Act review.