Cabinet raises the flag for accredited nights out in Newport
Posted on Monday 20th March 2017
Newport City Council has today agreed to apply for Purple Flag status to raise the city’s profile, encourage more visitors and boost the night time economy.
Cabinet members agreed to accept the recommendations in a report on the initiative at their meeting this morning.
Obtaining Purple Flag status shows a town or city’s night-time economy offers a clean and safe environment, has great bars and clubs, a variety of arts and cultural attractions and excellent transport links.
Around 65 towns and cities across the country have achieved Purple Flag status.
If successful, Newport will join Swansea to become one of only two Welsh cities to have this award.
A Purple Flag partnership working group, which includes key council services, Gwent Police, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Aneurin Bevan Health Board, Street Pastors, the Business Improvement District, Pub-Watch and Newport Live, has been set up.
Members of the group will now draw up an action plan to work towards achieving Purple Flag status later this year.
Councillor Bob Poole, Cabinet Member for Regulatory Functions, said he is delighted with the decision to apply for Purple Flag status.
He said: “This decision means Newport City Council can press ahead with this initiative which will help boost the whole city centre by encouraging visitors of all ages to be able to enjoy a varied and dynamic night life. It will also help create a vibrant and safe city centre.”
As part of the initiative, the council is also considering whether to introduce a pavement café licensing policy, to allow businesses to have tables and chairs outside their premises for alfresco eating.
The council wants to encourage and support pavement cafés as they can help to maximise the use of public spaces, aid the local economy and add to the facilities offered to people who visit, live and work in Newport.
Businesses who apply for a licence and will have to adhere to criteria relating to numbers, times, cleanliness and safety. It will also cover night time ‘smoking areas’ on the highway.