Publicans have reacted angrily to a new suggestion they should be charged to cover policing costs in Barnsley.
The idea of charging pubs with a history of trouble came as the police authority asked for alternative ways to raise revenue.
But town centre landlords claim an additional levy would close several venues meaning jobs would go and revellers would be denied as much choice on nights out.
The night-time economy is seen as vital to Barnsley's economic future and Coun John Parkinson, Barnsley's representative on the police authority, added his voice to the condemnation.
Danny Stuart runs several bars on Wellington Street and is co-chairman of the town centre Pub Watch scheme. He said business was tough enough without an extra levy.
“It stinks. What do we pay our council tax and rates for?
“We pay enough in licensing fees and this is another cost we don’t need in a business that is dropping off anyway, without incurring another charge.”
An authority spokesman said: "It's something we will take up and put into the budget process. But there would have to be a national shift in legislation to allow police to do that."
Want to read more? See this week's Town edition.
