| To: Councillors Colin Ferguson, Nick Hartley, Karen Kilgour and Tracey Mitchell Dear Councillors As one of the representatives for Monument Ward, I have supported residents with multiple issues associated with licensed premises during my time as a councillor. Maintaining a fair balance between the interests of residents and licensed premises is difficult but vital if the city is to thrive as a place to live as well as a place to visit. The late night levy, which funds safety measures such as street marshals and CCTV, is one of the ways in which that balance is maintained. It means that businesses selling alcohol between midnight and 6am contribute to the cost of dealing with the impact of late night alcohol consumption. So I was concerned to read Councillor Kilgour’s comments to the Local Democracy Service about ‘reviewing’ the late night levy (https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/newcastle-late-night-levy-charge-33320250) and to see yesterday’s call by NE1 for the levy to be scrapped together (https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/politicians-urged-prioritise-newcastles-nightlife-33806121) I wrote to residents when Coun Kilgour first announced the review and asked for their views on the levy and licensed premises in general. Residents told me that they enjoyed the hustle and bustle of city life and the opportunities it offers to meet and socialise. They also understood that there would be some level of noise but they had concerns about certain venues, which were ignoring the rules on managing the noise. They were also affected by noise in the middle of the night as people made their way through the city after late night venues closed. They were concerned about the amount of litter in areas with late night bars and takeaways. Fast food containers and leftover food and drinks are a particular problem – and a health issue because they attract vermin. Residents had found vomit and urine in their doorways and on the streets in the mornings and some reported witnessing violence. These issues are all linked to excessive alcohol consumption – which research has shown is a feature of the night life economy in the UK (https://www.n8prp.org.uk/2025/05/23/alcohol-policing-and-nightlife-a-complex-relationship/) Residents valued the safety measures funded by the late night levy and would be sorry to see them go. They also appreciated the late night clean-ups that happen in some parts of the city centre. Everyone understands the pressures that hospitality businesses are under. That doesn’t mean that residents should suffer or that council taxpayers should subsidise them. These businesses have access to solicitors to argue their case on licensing issues and lobbying support from organisations like NE1 and the NE1 Hospitality Group. Residents don’t have any of this. They rely on councillors to stand up for their interests. So I’m asking you as leaders of parties competing for power at the May elections to commit to: consult residents on any changes to the late night levy or other policies that affect licensed premises take residents’ interests into account when making any decision. Please make sure that residents’ voices are heard. Thank you Jane Byrne Monument Councillor 22.04.26 |
Jane For Monument 