00:02Pressure is growing across Newcastle's night-time economy as debate continues over the late-night
00:07levy, a charge on venues licensed to sell alcohol after midnight.
00:11Businesses and city leaders are reviewing its future amid rising costs and closures
00:16in the hospitality sector.
00:18The city's new council leader, Councillor Colin Ferguson, has expressed scepticism about
00:23the levy, but says he will not take a knee-jerk approach while consultation on its future
00:28continues, with concerns over its impact on hospitality and recognition of public safety
00:33funding needs remaining central.
00:36Under rules in place since 2013, venues with late-night alcohol licences pay an annual levy
00:42ranging from £299 to £4,400.
00:46This helps fund policing and safety in the city centre through the night.
00:51Hospitality leaders across Tyneside say the levy adds financial pressure at a time when
00:55venues are already facing rising energy bills.
00:58Staffing costs and reduced trade, with recent closures of several popular bars prompting
01:03calls for reform or abolition of the charge.
01:06Some of the levy funds over the last few years have been put towards extra police patrols in
01:12the Newcastle area, marshals at taxi ranks and an ID card scanning system used in some bars.
01:20The scanning system is used to crack down on underage drinking.
01:23No final decision is expected from the Council in the coming period.
01:28No final decision is expected from the
Comments