The levy affected all venues, including bars, clubs, and restaurants, selling alcohol between midnight and 6am. With over 42,000 students in the city, Newcastle's night-time economy is significantly impacted by the student population, leading some to question how the safety measures previously funded by the levy will be supported following its abolition.
Newcastle was one of the first cities in England and Wales to see the introduction of the late night levy, an annual fee charged to pubs, clubs, and bars, and one of only two locations outside of London to do so.
Since its introduction, it has raised £3.46 million, with over £260,000 generated between 1 November 2023 and 31 October 2024 alone. The scheme funded a range of initiatives designed to improve safety in the city centre, including additional police patrols, CCTV, taxi marshals, and street pastors.
...the late night levy “places an unfair burden on a small number of licensed venues in the city.
In a final review of the scheme, 93% of respondents supported its abolition. Hospitality businesses argued that the levy was outdated, with the additional charges putting further pressure on hospitality businesses and venues.
Councillor Colin Ferguson said that “at a time when our pubs, bars and clubs are under so much pressure,” the late night levy “places an unfair burden on a small number of licensed venues in the city.”
Councillor Ferguson insisted that the council’s commitment to public safety “remains as firm as ever”
City bosses pledged that there would be "no decline in safety" in the wake of their decision to abolish the levy. Councillor Ferguson insisted that the council’s commitment to public safety “remains as firm as ever”, with safety measures continuing through partnerships with NE1, Northumbria Police and the Police and Crime Commissioner, with a particular focus on protecting women and girls.
When contacted for comment, Policy and Communications Business Partner Michael Brown emphasised to The Courier that “we all – whether that’s the council, businesses, partners or students themselves – have a role to play in keeping people safe.”
He encouraged students to stay with friends, drink responsibly and use licensed taxis, adding: “If someone has had a bit too much to drink, make sure they are safely accompanied home” and reminding new students to look for the white bonnets that identify the city’s hackney cabs.