Jade Phoenix Hoskins and Dee Chentelle, co-owners of Zodiac in Hampstead Road

By FINN LOGUE

THE owner of a trans-run nightclub has called on Camden Council to “protect” venues in the hospitality industry by revoking a late-night tax.

Dee Chantelle, the co-owner of Zodiac Bar in Hampstead Road, near Euston, said that the Late Night Levy (LNL) was particularly damaging for independent businesses, and could “spell the end” for her venue and many others.

The levy was first introduced in 2011 and gave local authorities discretionary powers to introduce a charge on businesses selling alcohol after midnight. This is in addition to business rates.

Camden Council first adopted the policy in 2016 and under the current framework, 70 per cent of the money is spent in localised policing, with the other 30 per cent retained by the council to invest in schemes which reduced late-night anti-social behaviour.

Ms Chantelle told the New Journal that the levy was costing her business over £1,200 a year, which, along with other rising overheads was placing a squeeze on the business.

She said: “Our main challenges are the rising costs of running a business and that isn’t just for LGBTQ+ businesses, but across the whole hospitality industry.

“But the difference is that our demographic is much smaller than the mainstream – we have less people who regularly support LGBT+ venues.

“The LNL doesn’t make sense at all amid a fragile time for venues across the city. It is a cruel tax on businesses like ours already facing rising rent costs, unsustainable business rates and soaring energy prices. Our industry is already on its knees.”

Camden reviewed the LNL at a Town Hall meeting last week, with three options discussed: maintaining the levy as it is, amending its terms or removing it.

Zodiac is the only trans-owned, trans-run venue in the country.

The venue was created to provide a safe space for members of the LGBT+ community and allies and hosts cabaret, drag queen performances and karaoke evenings.

Figures from the Greater London Authority show that the number of LGBTQ+ venues dropped from 125 to 50 between 2004 and 2021, with many citing rising costs on overheads such as rent as the reason for their closure.

Ms Chantelle added: “The LNL will just add to the fact that London and even Camden are losing their LGBTQ+ identity, with more venues closing because of rising costs. They need to protect the industry before it dies for good, because that’s where it’s headed.

“We are fighting every day to contribute to London’s LGBTQ+ community with a place where you can be who you are and feel safe.”

In response, a Camden Council spokesperson said: “We’re committed to boosting Camden’s nightlife, and we recently revised our licensing policy to support late-night venues to thrive, while also ensuring Camden is a safe and enjoyable place at night for all residents, visitors, and hospitality workers. We’re addressing concerns to make the Late Night Levy fair, transparent and effective for all – helping to fund additional policing and street cleaning in areas with busy nightlife.

“We consulted with local businesses and residents in December 2025 and recommendations from this will be presented to full council for a decision in March.”