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Newcastle Late Night Levy Under Review
29 Jan
Summary
- Newcastle's late night levy is under review by the city council.
- The levy was introduced in 2013 and funds safety measures.
- Venues face financial hardship due to rising costs.
The late night levy, a charge applied to Newcastle venues licensed to operate between midnight and 06:00, is currently under review by Newcastle City Council. Introduced in 2013, this annual levy, which generated £242,000 in 2023/24, helps fund essential safety initiatives such as street marshals and CCTV systems within the city center. However, the hospitality sector in Newcastle has been facing significant financial pressures.
Numerous establishments within the city's nightlife scene have announced closures over the past year, including well-known venues like Horticulture, Prohibition, and The Mushroom. These closures are attributed to escalating business rates, energy costs, and other operational expenses. Industry leaders argue that while some sectors receive relief, others like restaurants, cafes, and hotels continue to struggle without similar support.
Newcastle City Council leader Karen Kilgour has indicated a willingness to review the levy, acknowledging both its role in maintaining public safety and the additional financial burden it places on licensees. Stephen Patterson, CEO of NE1 Ltd, a coalition of Newcastle City Centre hospitality businesses, welcomed the review, noting that Newcastle is unique as the only city outside London with such a levy for late-night operators. He emphasized that the current operating environment differs greatly from 2013, with a shift towards quality offerings rather than high-volume promotions.
