Newcastle council could require venues to offer free taxis home for late-night staff

Ensuring employees have a safe route home could become a condition for holding a late night license in Newcastle.

A policy proposal aimed at protecting late-night workers, and in particular those working in hospitality, will be drawn up by the council’s licensing committee.

If taken forward it would mean new licenses would only be granted to venues which offer free transport home for employees working after 11pm, when public transport has stopped running.

A meeting of full council last week heard than many employees, particularly women, are increasingly worried about their safety when travelling at night. The council described the enforcement of sexual assault, including up-skirting on public transport, as “appalling”.

Cllr Lesley Storey, Newcastle City Council’s vibrant city cabinet member, said: “Far too often late-night workers are becoming victims of harassment, unwanted attention and abusive behaviour while travelling home.

“The cost of living crisis has exacerbated the problem as many staff working in the service industry simply cannot afford to pay for safe transport home.

“Nobody should ever have to suffer this type of abuse and be left feeling frightened and vulnerable. Women in particular often feel very afraid when walking home alone.

“I am proud we are leading the way in putting measures in place so employers provide free transport home for workers who finish their shifts after 11pm.

“This will give huge reassurances to those who cannot afford taxi fares and often worry about how they will get home safely.”

The council said it also plans to apply to the government’s Safety of Women at Night Fund to increase the provision of public transport and subsidise taxi travel for employers.

Image: Madrugada Verde / Shutterstock