Two of Bath’s most famous landmarks The Weir and Pulteney Bridge will be bathed in Purple lighting on Saturday to mark the launch of Purple Flag Week.
As one of the first Cities in the UK to receive this accreditation, Bath marks four consecutive years carrying its Purple Flag status, which indicates excellence in the management and safety of Bath’s evening economy.
The Accreditation has been made possible by financial support and practical initiatives from the Bath Business Improvement District (BID) and Bath & North East Somerset Council in particular the Nightwatch scheme and the introduction of City and Taxi marshals.
These initiatives ensure that people get home safely following a night out and ease pressure on the local emergency services.
The Nightwatch initiative connects licensees and the police via the latest radio technology which helps to quickly identify any issues and share information among the support team.
The BID Night Marshals help around 2,000 people every week in the city of Bath.
Andrew Cooper, Chief Executive of the Bath Business Improvement District, said: “Once again Bath has proven itself as a safe, diverse and well-run night-time economy.
“Purple Flag Week aims to celebrate these achievements as well as conveying important safety messages that Bath is a thriving night time destination, with a growing reputation as a safe place to enjoy on a night out.
“Bath celebrating its 4th year of Purple Flag accreditation reflects the importance of collaborative working between the Bath BID, Bath & North East Somerset Council, Bath and North East Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group, the Police and other agencies, and long may that continue.”
Councillor David Dixon, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: “Many people in Bath do take care and drink alcohol responsibly but alcohol-related harm is still a serious concern for some, and something we take very seriously.
“Bath’s on-going Purple Flag accreditation shows the importance of the Council and the Bath BID’s partnerships, and our joint commitment to tackling alcohol-related issues, making the evening economy safer and more enjoyable for all.
“With the support of our Public Health, Community Safety and Public Protection teams, Bath & North East Somerset Council wants to help ensure everyone has the opportunity to enjoy a healthy lifestyle and have a great night out by drinking sensibly.”
During Bath’s Purple Flag Week, which begins on Saturday 27th September through to Sunday 5th October, Nightwatch members will be displaying posters at their premises, handing out a pocket sized guide that includes tips on how to stay safe as well as map of the city centre showing the bars participating.
Some of the Nightwatch members will be running special purple drinks promotions and staff will be wearing purple in promotion the week.
