Understand
Newcastle City Council axes late-night levy on venues with immediate effect
Overview
Newcastle City Council has voted to repeal its late-night levy on pubs, bars, and clubs with immediate effect, removing an annual charge that had been in place since 2013 to fund safety measures. Council leader Colin Ferguson stated that the tax placed an unfair burden on the hospitality sector during challenging times and was no longer fit for purpose. While the scheme officially ends on 31 October, no new bills will be issued, though outstanding bills must still be paid. Industry leaders and the NE1 Business Improvement District welcomed the decision, while local authorities and police confirmed their commitment to maintaining nighttime safety measures.
Key points
- Newcastle City Council voted to scrap the late-night levy on pubs, bars, and clubs with immediate effect.
- The levy, introduced in 2013 and applied to more than 280 businesses, raised over £3m to fund safety measures like extra police patrols, taxi marshals, and CCTV.
- Council leader Colin Ferguson described the tax as an unfair burden on businesses facing financial pressures.
- The scheme will officially conclude on 31 October, with no new bills issued in the interim, although outstanding bills remain payable.
- The NE1 Business Improvement District company led a campaign supporting the abolition of the tax to provide financial relief to the hospitality sector.
- Northumbria Police and council leaders assured that commitments to policing and maintaining safety in the nighttime economy remain strong.