BARS, restaurants and shops could be forced to close early or pay a police levy under a proposed crackdown on problem drinking.

A planned overhaul of licensing laws will have dramatic repercussions for Bournemouth town centre, with one expert predicting the night-time economy could be “transformed”.

Local councils are set to be granted extra powers to deal with drink-related problems.

The most drastic measure they could impose would be a blanket ban on specific areas, in which all premises will be barred from selling alcohol between midnight and 6am.

Alternatively they could charge a late-night levy on all premises selling alcohol after midnight to pay for police, street wardens, taxi marshals and cleaners.

Bournemouth-based solicitor Philip Day, of Horsey Lightly Fynn, said many smaller businesses – including corner shops, restaurants and bars – could simply opt to close early to avoid the extra fees.

He said: “In deciding whether to use these new powers to force pubs, nightclubs and off-licences to close much earlier than at present, the council will have to take into account the effect on other businesses, including local hotels and guest houses which would also be forced to close their bars.

“I anticipate that they may well allow these premises to continue operating past midnight but force them to pay for extra policing.”

An impact assessment released by the Home Office found that up to half of the pubs and clubs that open late are expected to amend their licences to avoid the levy.

It’s thought the levy could be up to £4,480 and could generate between £9m and £15m nationally.

Bournemouth’s licensing chair Cllr Andrew Morgan said it was too early to comment on the proposals, which are yet to proceed through Parliament and become law. Any change in Bournemouth would probably also have to be consulted on.

“The coalition government has said this is one of their priorities, to look at antisocial behaviour after dark.

“This is one way of dealing with it but the fact that Bournemouth has a purple flag for its night-time economy reflects the fact that most people have a safe, enjoyable experience.”