Exeter city council is considering whether to use new powers to tax late-night licensees.
The legislation came into force at the beginning of this month.
It gives councils the right to levy an extra tax on pubs, clubs and off-licenses which sell drink after midnight.
Most of the money is used to pay for late-night policing, but some is retained by local authorities.
Exeter's city centre manager John Harvey recognises that many licensees will see the proposal as a threat to their businesses, and is stressing that he wants to work closely with them to find the best way to tackle alcohol-related anti-social behaviour.
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