Newcastle city officials are considering ending the late night levy that has funded additional safety measures in the city centre since 2013. The levy, which charges alcohol-licensed businesses operating between midnight and 6 a.m. an annual fee ranging from £299 to £4,400, has raised over £3 million to support police patrols, taxi marshals, CCTV, street pastors, and initiatives such as the Safe Haven van and sexual harassment training.
At a meeting of the council’s licensing committee, councillors will examine a proposal to revoke the levy, with a potential final decision scheduled for a full council meeting in October. Council leader Colin Ferguson has expressed support for abolishing the charge, citing the financial challenges currently facing the hospitality sector.
The Newcastle Business Improvement District company, NE1 Ltd, has led calls to scrap the levy. Stephen Patterson, NE1’s chief executive, welcomed the development, emphasizing that safety in the city centre would not be compromised. Patterson stated that the council, NE1, and local police remain committed to maintaining, and even improving, public safety in the city.
Discussions are underway regarding the establishment of a new fund to replace the late night levy, managed by a governance board comprising city leaders. This fund would continue to finance key safety measures such as street marshals and the Safe Haven service.
Since its introduction, the levy has generated approximately £3.46 million. After administration costs, £2.26 million was allocated to the Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), while the city council received just under £1 million. Data from a council report indicates that since 2022, the city centre has seen decreases in violent and sexual offences, theft, arson, criminal damage, alcohol-related anti-social behaviour, and assault-related emergency presentations. However, incidents of drug offences, robbery, noise complaints, and littering have increased.
Northumbria PCC Susan Dungworth acknowledged the critical role the levy has played in supporting policing during the late-night hours when vulnerabilities and anti-social behaviour tend to rise. She underscored that all funds from the levy are directed to frontline policing, operational services, and victim support initiatives, including the Safe Haven and Street Pastors. Dungworth reiterated Northumbria Police’s commitment to working alongside businesses and local authorities to maintain safe streets.
Outside of London, only Liverpool and Newcastle remain among the few councils still levying such charges on late-night venues. Former Newcastle council leader and current head of the hospitality association The Core, Nick Kemp, described the council’s move to abolish the levy as a “clear sign of positive intent” towards supporting the hospitality industry. He emphasized the importance of creating a conducive environment for businesses to operate, invest, and grow, while advocating for ongoing dialogue between businesses and the council.
As the decision progresses toward final approval, city leaders and stakeholders continue to balance financial pressures on the hospitality sector with efforts to preserve public safety after dark.