More of Newcastle’s bars and pubs will be part of Shout-Up! in 2025

Newcastle’s bars and clubs take a zero-tolerance approach to harassment with continued support from Newcastle City Council

Shout-Up! will support 60+ venues to secure or maintain their certified status in 2025

The Newcastle-based initiative dedicated to tackling sexual harassment in nightlife spaces, will continue for another year, supporting more than 60 venues across Newcastle to secure or maintain their certification. The programme, originally launched in 2017 by Newcastle City Council, has grown into a vital component of the city's strategy to promote safer, harassment-free spaces.

From April 2024 - March 2025, Shout-Up! grew to 63 certified venues and promoters, with over 1,400 people working in the city’s night-time economy receiving Shout-Up! training. 

There are two venues in the city, The Cluny and The Cumberland Arms, who have maintained their certification continuously since 2017 when the scheme was first launched. 

Dawn Bowman, Shout-Up! Lead for Rape Crisis Tyneside and Northumberland, said: “For eight years, The Cluny and The Cumberland have been Shout-Up! certified venues, an incredible example in our city of people who are committed to making their spaces sexual harassment-free. Their continued participation in the Shout-Up! programme demonstrates their dedication to creating safe, inclusive environments and is one of the reasons they’re both such loved venues.”

Steve Brown, Manager of The Cluny, echoed this sentiment: “It’s important for us to be involved in the Shout-Up! programme as it ensures our staff and patrons feel protected. Our team is trained to identify, intervene and prevent sexual harassment, creating a safer space for all.”

Among the newly certified venues in the last 12 months are Bobby’s, Mushroom, and one of Newcastle’s oldest pubs, The Beehive. 

Cllr Lesley Storey,  Newcastle City Council Cabinet Member for Children and Families, explains how Shout-Up! certification is now a key part of the city’s assessment criteria for licensed venues. 

“Shout-Up! has become a critical benchmark for venues in Newcastle,” she said. “It’s now a key part of Raising the Bar, our assessment framework that recognises those who prioritise safety and inclusivity in the night-time economy. 

 “Shout-Up! is part of our multifaceted approach to improving the nighttime economy. From Taxi Marshalls to Street Pastors and practical additions like more street lighting, we continue to do everything we can to make a night out in Newcastle safe, welcoming and inclusive for all.”

A poll conducted by Shout-Up! in 2024 underscored the ongoing necessity of the programme, with 71% of respondents reporting that they had experienced sexual harassment on a night out. 

Additionally, 97% of respondents supported training for nightlife staff, and 91% said they would feel safer in venues where staff had undergone Shout-Up! training.

As the programme continues in 2025, Shout-Up! is committed to training even more venues and promoting a culture of safety and respect across the city. 

Dawn Bowman added: “We’re proud of the long-term commitment that Newcastle City Council continues to make to keep nights out in Newcastle safer for everyone. To have the involvement of more than 60 venues and organisations is a significant step forward in making our zero-tolerance approach a reality.”

Organisers invite any bars, pubs, clubs or venues in Newcastle who contribute to the Late Night Levy to enquire about achieving their Shout-Up! certification.

For more information about Shout-Up! and how to get involved, please visit the Contact Us page.