Newcastle's bars and clubs could be spared from the Late Night Levy
Council leaders aim to revoke the fee to support city's hospitality sector
Newcastle’s hospitality sector may soon see relief as the controversial Late Night Levy is set to be dropped.
In place since 2013, the levy has imposed an annual fee on bars and clubs licensed to sell alcohol between midnight and 6am, generating £3.46 million to support public safety initiatives.
This included street marshals and CCTV cameras, alongside support services like Safe Haven and Shout Up sexual harassment training.
However, severe financial pressures faced by venues, including rising business rates and energy bills, have prompted a review.
The council's licensing committee will decide next Monday on whether to end the levy, which has garnered wide support for abolition according to a recent consultation.
The consultation revealed 93% backing from the licensed trade in Newcastle, highlighting the disproportionate impact on businesses that are located outside the city’s major hotspots or operate briefly past midnight.
Liberal Democrat council leader Colin Ferguson supports the scrapping of the charge, stating the levy adds "additional and disproportionate pressure" on hospitality venues.
Ferguson emphasised the council’s commitment to collaborating with local authorities and agencies to ensure continued city centre safety without burdening businesses.
He said: “Ultimately, this cabinet does not think it is fair that Newcastle is one of just two cities outside of London that expects hospitality venues to contribute towards policing and public safety initiatives."
If abandoned, an alternative fund will be established for night-time economy safety measures, with contributions from Newcastle City Council and the Newcastle Business Improvement District (BID) company NE1.