Plan to stop harassment
“Rape Crisis Tyneside and Northumberland will be delivering specialist training to the venue staff so that they understand the impact of sexual harassment on their patrons, and will upskill them in how to react appropriately.”
Joanne Hodson, general manager of The Cumberland Arms, said: “As a woman in this industry I take this topic very seriously.
“I pride myself on running a business where women feel comfortable coming and having a drink on their own, or with friends, without any worry of harassment.
“I am in full support of this scheme and look forward to seeing it roll out across the city.”
And Sophie Burton of the Tyne Bank Brewery agrees the campaign will be good for the industry.
She said: “We are 100% behind this initiative. As a venue, we have always been committed to creating a safe space for our patrons, so when the experts tell us there is more to be done, we sit up and pay attention. “Shout-Up is for the good of the whole bar and club scene, we’re happy to be involved.” Councillor Nick Kemp, chairman of Safe Newcastle, said it is vital the city’s nightspots are safe for women. “This is a really important campaign and one that Safe Newcastle is full behind. “We have a thriving nighttime economy in Newcastle and it is important that everyone can enjoy themselves without the fear of sexual harassment or violence,” he said. “I think this is a really vital step for the city and I am looking forward to the campaign working and developing over the next 12 months.” Dawn Bowman