Newcastle is known for its incredible hospitality – in Newcastle North, the sector generates over £140 million and supports over 3,900 jobs in the area.
However, the impact of Covid has been devastating to the industry – between 2020 and 2023, nearly a third of the UK’s nighttime economy vanished.
The Labour Government is working to support the hospitality industry and has announced £1.5 million to help the sector address skills shortages. This includes delivering training facilities in prisons to boost prisoners’ chances of finding a job in the sector when they leave.
The Government has also launched a new business group to rapidly improve the application of licensing laws for the UK’s hospitality sector.
The group of experts will support the Government as it prepares its new industrial strategy and includes the CEO of Greene King Pubs and the Night Time Industries Association.
The changes, which will be developed in consultation with the police, could mean more alfresco dining spots, as well as later opening hours for pubs and clubs.
Alongside these measures, a new pilot scheme will be trialled in London to allow the Mayor to “call in” licensing applications in areas vital to the nighttime economy. If successful, this approach could be rolled out to other Mayors across England.
Catherine responded:
“Newcastle is the home of a good party – you only have to look back to the Carabao Cup celebrations to see this!
“I am so pleased that Ministers are backing Newcastle North’s hospitality sector and prioritising economic growth to boost living standards and help our local businesses thrive.”
Statistics from: www.ukhospitality.org.uk/work/ukhospitality-data-map/
