Liverpool has received glowing praise for its nightlife safety after securing Purple Flag status for the eighth consecutive year.
The coveted national award, handed out by the Association of Town and City Management (ATCM), recognises places that not only boast an impressive entertainment provision, but also promote the safety and wellbeing of residents and visitors.
This accolade is designed to improve the appeal of town and city centres, and with Liverpool retaining its status for the eighth time since 2010, it has once again delivered a safe, well-managed approach to nightlife.
How Liverpool was rated
A team of assessors spent a night in Liverpool in December 2017 and have since rated the city’s arts and culture, restaurants, pubs/bars and late night venues as “outstanding”, whilst praising the “thriving, wide and diverse” independent retailers.
Taxi services and door staff were found to be “well-regulated”, public buildings “imaginatively lit”, and car parks “reasonably priced, clean and secure”.
The news comes hot on the heels of Liverpool announcing 12 months of events and activities to celebrate the 10th anniversary of being the European Capital of Culture.
Councillor Liz Parsons, Mayoral Lead for Community Safety, said: “This is great news and sends out a strong message that we have a safe and vibrant city centre, catering for hundreds of thousands of people every week.
“The transformation of the city centre over the last few years is absolutely stunning and is reflected in the fact that the number of visitors, hotel beds, shops, restaurants and bars have all rocketed over the last decade.”
Emily Spurrell, Merseyside’s Deputy Police Commissioner, echoed Cllr Parsons’ views on the award, and is pleased to see the hard work of many parties being acknowledged.
She added: “I’m delighted that Liverpool has retained its Purple Flag for the eighth year running. We know that the city is a great and safe place to come for a night out, so it is fantastic to see this once again recognised on a national level by a team of independent assessors.”