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PURPLE FLAG
Excellence in the Evening and Night-Time Economy

Vibrant, night-time economies do not happen by accident. Innovation, curation, planning and partnership are all key elements to creating a destination that can delight users after dark.

 

Purple Flag is an international accreditation programme that aims to reward those who achieve this in their destinations after dark. Purple Flag strives to help create safe and thriving locations at night for all users.

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HOW DOES IT WORK?

By meeting or surpassing the standards of excellence in managing the evening and night time economy (ENTE), Place Managers throughout the UK and Ireland - and now being taken up internationally – are enjoying the benefits of Purple Flag status.

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Those already accredited have reported positive feedback from local businesses, a clear message for improved communications and a platform from which to promote their night time economy. 

The accreditation process takes towns and cities through a comprehensive set of standards, management processes and good practice examples all designed to help transform the ENTE and provide a research, training and development programme.

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WHY SHOULD YOU APPLY FOR PURPLE FLAG?

Our research indicates that Purple Flag can bring real benefits which include:

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  • A raised profile and an improved public image for the location

  • A wider patronage, increased expenditure

  • Lower crime and anti-social behaviour

  • A more successful mixed use economy in the longer term


As the governing body, ATCM has set out the core agenda at the heart of Purple Flag which represents the standards that must be achieved and maintained for a accreditation, which in turn will lead to a successful evening economy. These five core standards are outlined here.

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THE POLICY ENVELOPE

An after-hours policy that shows a clear strategy based on sound research, integrated public policy and a successful multi-sector partnership.

WELLBEING

Successful destinations are all safe and welcoming with all sectors playing their part in delivering high standards of customer care.

MOVEMENT

Getting home safely after an evening out is crucial, as is the ability to move around the centre on foot with ease.

APPEAL

Successful destinations offer a vibrant choice of leisure and entertainment for a diversity of ages, groups, lifestyles and cultures.

PLACE

Successful areas are alive during the day, as well as in the evening. They contain a blend of overlapping activities that encourage people to mingle and enjoy the place. They reinforce the character and identity of the area as well as flair and imagination in urban design for the night.

If you believe your city or town has safe and vibrant night time economy, then you are encouraged to apply for Purple Flag accreditation. Local authorities, town centre partnerships, business improvement districts, crime and disorder reduction partnerships, Pubwatch partnerships, civic societies and others can all take part. In our experience it is the Local Authority or Police who take the lead in most cases.

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If you would like to order any Purple Flag merchandise you can do this here.
 

Purple Flag submission dates for 2024/25 are: ​

  • Round 41 - October 4th

  • Round 42 - January 24th

  • Round 43 - June 20th

  • Round 44 - October 3rd


 

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