Liverpool retains Purple Flag Status for 15th consecutive year

Liverpool has once again been awarded Purple Flag status, marking the 15th year in a row that the city has been recognised for its safe and thriving night-time economy.

Purple Flag Status highlights the Liverpool’s commitment to being one of the UK’s safest night-time economies, where residents and visitors can enjoy a secure and vibrant nightlife experience. It is one of only a handful of cities that has retained the status since 2010.

Run by the Association of Town and City Management (ATCM), the Purple Flag scheme recognises places that have a dynamic, secure, and vibrant evening and night-time economy, similar to a Green Flag for parks, or Blue Flag for beaches.

The prestigious award highlights Liverpool’s diverse range of entertainment, dining and culture throughout the night, as well as its commitment to the welfare and safety of visitors and residents.

The report from ATCM praised the city for its range of local and high-end venues, and its ‘iconic and unique appearance and reputation’. The wellbeing of visitors was also rated highly, with strong partnerships between the Council, Liverpool One, Merseyside Police, Liverpool BID and students’ groups contributing to a welcoming, clean, and safe night-time environment.

People’s safety is a priority for Liverpool City Council, who work closely with the police to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour on the streets. In 2024, the Council’s CCTV network helped to deal with over 3,000 incidents, including assaults, thefts, and criminal damage.

There are over 80 Purple Flag destinations around the globe across the UK, Ireland, Sweden, Malta, New Zealand and Australia.

Recently, Liverpool’s Purple Flag status attracted delegates from the Asia branch of the International Festivals and Events Association (IFEA) to the city.

More than thirty IFEA members toured the city in December to learn about its thriving nightlife and are hoping to use this knowledge to apply for Purple Flag status in Asian cities for the first time.

In April, Liverpool City Council and partners will officially accept the title at a special event.

Councillor Laura Robertson-Collins, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, Neighbourhoods and Streetscene said:

“I am delighted that Liverpool has once again been recognised for its outstanding night-time economy.

“Our excellent nightlife here in the city is no secret, and we’re proud that Liverpool is seen as an exciting, engaging, and safe place for people to visit.

“This accreditation is down to all the hard work from our staff and partners across the city, who work incredibly hard every single day to make sure that the city remains a great place to live in and come to.”

Shaun Holland, Director of Operations at Liverpool BID Company said:

“I am delighted that Liverpool has once again been awarded Purple Flag status. The tireless work that takes place between partners in the city, the night-time venues and community are reflected in this welcomed recognition.

“Liverpool is recognised nationally as one of the best and safest places to visit for a memorable night or weekend experience. We are blessed in Liverpool to have great people who work and live here.

“Visitors are warmly welcomed and encouraged to explore and experience all the wonderful sights, sounds, hospitality and food outlets enriching their experience.”

Emily Spurrell, Merseyside’s Police Commissioner, said:

“I’m delighted that Liverpool has retained its Purple Flag for the fifteenth year running. To be awarded this status once again only serves to reaffirm what we already know that our city is a safe and welcoming place for people to visit from all walks of life.

“Millions of visitors, from near and far, come to our city each year to see our iconic buildings and landmarks, whilst enjoying a safe night out in our many pubs, bars, clubs and restaurants, so it is fantastic to see this being recognised, once again, on a national level by a team of independent assessors.

“The Purple Flag status is testament to those who work tirelessly to keep our nighttime economy safe and inclusive, and my thanks go to Merseyside Police and Liverpool City Council, who are committed, with the support of our partner agencies, to deliver a comprehensive and proactive plan to ensure the city centre is a place for people of all ages, interests and backgrounds to enjoy.

“The safety of our residents and visitors is always our number one priority and whilst the retention of this status gives reason to celebrate, we remain wholly focussed on getting even better at what we are doing, to ensure that Liverpool continues to be the best place in the UK to come for a night out, for many years to come.”