NIGHTCLUBS and bars in Chelmsford open after 1am could be charged over £4,000 to help pay for policing drunk revellers.

Chelmsford Council is to discuss plans to introduce a late night levy which would be charged to any venue selling alcohol into the early hours of the morning.

If agreed the fee in the region of £4,440 would come into affect in November with 70 per cent of the cash going to Essex Police.