diff --git a/ckan/model/tag.py b/ckan/model/tag.py
index d4c16a8fc12..e7a79157ce6 100644
--- a/ckan/model/tag.py
+++ b/ckan/model/tag.py
@@ -230,7 +230,8 @@ def __init__(self, package=None, tag=None, state=None, **kwargs):
             setattr(self, k, v)
 
     def __repr__(self):
-        return '<PackageTag package=%s tag=%s>' % (self.package.name, self.tag.name)
+        s = u'<PackageTag package=%s tag=%s>' % (self.package.name, self.tag.name)
+        return s.encode('utf8')
 
     def activity_stream_detail(self, activity_id, activity_type):
         if activity_type == 'new':