The Purple Flag standard, launched in 2012, it allows members of the public to quickly identify town and city centres that offer an entertaining, diverse, safe and enjoyable night out.  As the governing body, ATCM (Association of Town & City Management) has set 5 core standards, against which accredited locations are measured:

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• The Policy Envelope: An after-hours policy that shows a clear strategy based on sound research, integrated public policy and a successful multi-sector partnership.

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• Wellbeing: Successful destinations are all safe and welcoming with all sectors playing their part in delivering high standards of customer care.

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• Movement: Getting home safely after an evening out is crucial, as is the ability to move around the centre on foot with ease.

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• Appeal: Successful destinations offer a vibrant choice of leisure and entertainment for a diversity of ages, groups, lifestyles and cultures.

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• Place: Successful areas are alive during the day, as well as in the evening. They contain a blend of overlapping activities that encourage people to mingle and enjoy the place. They reinforce the character and identity of the area as well as flair and imagination in urban design for the night.