Newcastle City Council could become the first local authority in the country to introduce a late night levy to help tackle binge drinking and anti-social behaviour.

The local authority's cabinet will meet on 26 June to vote on whether or not to implement the scheme.

The levy depends on the rateable value of the premises and the money raised will go towards street cleaning, CCTV and toilet facilities.

‘If the levy is agreed, it will be the first of its kind in the UK,' said deputy cabinet member for community safety, Cllr Linda Hobson.

‘These proposals, which will be delivered in partnership with the police, licensing trade and residents, seek to strike the right balance by ensuring those businesses which benefit should make a limited contribution to these costs, maintaining the city as one of the safest in the country and attractive to investors and visitors.'