Shout-Up!, Newcastle City Council’s groundbreaking campaign to eliminate sexual harassment in the city’s nightlife, is marking significant progress this festive season. Twelve venues have recertified their commitment, with two new additions bringing the total number of certified Shout-Up! venues to 56.
Recertifying venues include popular destinations 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/Newgate Street Social.
The Cluny and Cumberland Arms were among the first venues to embrace the programme when it was launched in 2017, underlining their long-standing dedication to the cause.
Dawn Bowman, Helpline & Volunteer Coordinator and Shout-Up! Lead for Rape Crisis Tyneside and Northumberland, reflected on this achievement: “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, expressed why the programme is 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.”
In 2024, newly certified venues include Bobby’s, Mushroom, and the historic Beehive pub. These venues are committed to creating environments where harassment is not tolerated. The campaign’s training has now reached 1,196 individuals working in Newcastle’s nighttime economy, reflecting a citywide resolve to address sexual harassment.
Bethany, General Manager at Bobby’s, shared their perspective: “Being a part of Shout-Up! is vital to us as a business, and a community, as it promotes a safe place for individuals to enjoy themselves without fear of being harassed. Sexual harassment should not be normalised, and we actively aim to play a part in changing the narrative that allows sexual harassment to be normalised.”
- Ensure all staff complete Bystander Intervention Training, meaning they know what to look out for and how to intervene safely
- Write and share sexual harassment policies that protect staff and patrons
- Have a publicly available procedure for dealing with incidents of sexual harassment
- Commit to making their venue a sexual harassment-free zone
- Display visible signage explaining their participation in the scheme and what patrons can expect to happen in the event of sexual harassment
- Commit to undertake six-monthly reviews on policies, procedures and training to retain certification.
“We’ve now trained over 1,196 people who work in bars, pubs, and clubs in the city to give them more knowledge about how sexual harassment can impact people, places, and reputation and give them the skills to intervene safely and effectively.
Shout-Up! originated in Newcastle upon Tyne in 2017, and has gone on to support venues and venue staff in Northamptonshire and Torbay.
Licensed venues in Newcastle upon Tyne who have yet to become Shout-Up! certified are encouraged to sign-up on the website. The scheme is free for bars, pubs and clubs in the city.
For more information visit shoutup.org/newcastle-upon-tyne
