Newcastle pubs and bars join in fight to end nightlife harassment

Two new venues joining the campaign, bringing the city’s total to 56 certified Shout-Up! venues.

Venues recertifying include nightlife staples such as Alvinos, Colonel Porter’s, Cosy Joes, Cumberland Arms, Holy Hobo, Newcastle Students’ Union, Northumbria Students’ Union, The Cluny, The Empress, The Lubber Fiend, and Wonderbar within Newgate Street Social.

Among them, The Cluny and Cumberland Arms stand out as two of the very first venues to join the campaign when it launched in 2017.

Dawn Bowman, Helpline and Volunteer Coordinator and Shout-Up! Lead for Rape Crisis Tyneside and Northumberland highlighted the significance of this milestone: “For eight years, The Cluny and Cumberland Arms have been committed to making their spaces sexual harassment-free.

“Their recertification for an additional two years highlights their unwavering dedication to creating safe, inclusive environments. They continue to serve as beacons of best practice and role models for others in Newcastle’s nighttime economy.”

Steve Brown, Manager of The Cluny, explained why the campaign remains vital: “It’s important for us to be involved in the Shout-Up! programme as it takes measures to ensure the staff and clientele are safeguarded.

“This means our team knows what to look out for and when to intervene to prevent and eliminate any potential sexual harassment or other incidents.”

Bobby's, Mushroom, and one of Newcastle's oldest pubs, The Beehive, are just some of the venues newly certified in 2024. These establishments embrace the ethos of creating safe spaces where harassment is not tolerated.

With these additions, 1,196 people working in Newcastle’s nighttime economy have been trained through Shout-Up!, demonstrating a citywide dedication to tackling sexual harassment.

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Councillor Lesley Storey, Newcastle City Council’s Cabinet member for children and families, said: “Newcastle is a safe and welcoming place, and we want to ensure it stays that way.

“We have a thriving night-time economy and it is important that everyone can enjoy themselves without the fear of sexual harassment or violence.

“We are proud to fund the Shout Up! scheme as part of our work to tackle violence against women and girls and know that, along with our wider efforts to train staff in the hospitality, taxi and security industries, it helps keep people safe and reduces vulnerability.

“The premises who take part are setting a great example to other licensees and we would encourage others to join them in helping staff spot the signs of and prevent harassment by safely challenging those people whose behaviour is unacceptable.”