Southampton awarded Purple Flag status for a safe nighttime economy

GO!Southampton hosted a party at Revolution De Cuba after it was announced that the city could don the Purple Flag. 

It recognises the safety and wellbeing of residents and tourists in the nighttime econemy and is organised by Association of Town and City Management (ATCM). 

A special mention was made to the city's street pastors, door staff, St John's Ambulance Service, and street cleaners, who all work together to ensure Southampton is safe and inviting. 

READ MORE: Echo joins police and volunteers to find out how they keep city streets safe at night

GO!Southampton led the bid for the accreditation process over the past 12 months.

They have worked with Southampton City Council, the police and local businesses to achieve the status.

Jade McCauley, operations mangers for GO!Southampton, said: "Tonight we are celebrating Southampton getting Purple Flag status. 

Jade McCauley, operations mangers for GO!Southampton (Image: Daily Echo, Emily Liddell)

"It's recognised natioanlly and it is now also going international. 

"It's based on five critiria, the most important being wellbeing and safety for people in the nighttime econemy. 

"It makes sure there are a variety of differnt businesses running safe venues. 

"It looks at whether a family can go to the cinema, go bowling, go for a meal, but at the same time can a stag do go and enjoy the nightlife, and can they all get home safely afterwards. 

"We need to make sure we continue to push those standards up."

READ MORE: Businesses strive to keep people safe from teenage gangs

READ MORE: What the council is doing to make nights out safer

She added: "I'm really proud of Southampton, I think this is a great thing to be shouting about. 

"I think the offer we have in Southampton is fantastic, with the cinema, bowling, restaurants, and not just chains, we have a lot of independants [businesses] that offer a great experience in the city."

The party was hosted at 6pm and saw represenatives from the council, GO!Southampton, St John's Ambulance Service and more gather at the bar to celebrate the achievement. 

A spokesperson from the Association of Town and City Management (ATCM), awarders of the standard, said: “To hold a ‘Purple Flag’ status has been hugely important to many towns and cities as they adjust to a new way of life after the Covid-19 pandemic and now feel the weight of the cost-of-living crisis.

“The award will be instrumental in broadening the appeal of Southampton, which has excelled in its vibrant and diverse mix of dining, entertainment and culture, while also promoting the importance of the safety and wellbeing of the city’s visitors and local residents.”