York is a popular hen party destination because it’s a safe place to come, the council’s economy spokesperson has said.
And that shows the work that led to the city receiving the Purple Flag is working, Cllr Pete Kilbane said.
He told councillors the standards which had to be met to receive the designation had helped to create a safe environment in the city centre and deter problematic behaviour.
The York BID (Business Improvement District) took over the management of the Purple Flag designation from City of York Council in 2023.
Awarded by the Association of Town and City Management, the status recognises efforts made to create safe and thriving places for people visiting pubs, bars, clubs and restaurants at night.
To achieve Purple Flag status, local businesses have to play their part by welcoming visitors and treating them with care.
Areas also have to demonstrate that they offer a vibrant choice of leisure and entertainment aimed at a range of ages, groups, lifestyles and cultures.
They also have to show they are safe, well-managed and inclusive in the evening.
Council economy lead Cllr Kilbane told the economy, place, access and transport committee York BID’s efforts included posters encouraging visitors to behave respectfully, including one saying: “We’ve got enough history”.
He said: “It says ‘We’ve got enough history’, so don’t cause problems.
“It has an effect. The Purple Flag is more about the things we do to get accreditation rather than the accreditation itself.
“Put it this way, we get hen parties coming here because they think it’s a safe place to come, they’d sooner come here than other livelier cities in the North, so to an extent it’s working.”