Cardiff has successfully renewed its Purple Flag accreditation after evidencing for the second time that it is has an excellent offering for an entertaining, diverse, safe and enjoyable night out.
An application led by FOR Cardiff and involving partners including South Wales Police, Cardiff Council, British Transport Police, Cardiff Licensees Forum, Street Pastors and a host of cultural venues and attractions was scored against the five core standards. These include being safe and welcoming, the accessibility of the area and the provision of a diverse choice of leisure and entertainment activities available to all.
Enhancing the perception of safety in Cardiff city centre has been a new focus for this year’s application through the production and promotion of a Purple Flag video which achieved a reach 79,805 in its first week across YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Cardiff University, University of South Wales and Cardiff & Vale College have also agreed to show the video at all their open days both locally and internationally and have shared it on their social media channels reaching 344,432 people across the globe.
New for the latest application was the rollout of the Best Bar None scheme which ensures the highest standards in licenced premises. This has been delivered at zero cost to premises within the Purple Flag area and 34 premises are currently working towards accreditation. FOR Cardiff has funded the training of four staff who will carry out the assessments.
FOR Cardiff has also continued to provide training sessions for club and pub staff, fund the Night Marshals team, manage the CityNet Radio system as well as financially supporting different initiatives for students such as the Safety Bus.
Adrian Field, Executive Director of FOR Cardiff said: “Our mission at FOR Cardiff is to make sure the city centre is a welcoming and safe environment that can be enjoyed by everyone. Cardiff can officially continue to be recognised for its varied cultural offering and its safety. FOR Cardiff are proud to lead on obtaining the Purple Flag award for the second year running and delighted we have been successful in retaining it.”