READING’s venues have been recognised with a prestigious award denoting vibrant and diverse cultural and culinary offerings.
Reading Business Improvement District has been awarded Purple Flag status for 2023, which recognises safety and quality of a range of different venues and businesses.
Reading BID works closely with licensed premises, Reading Borough Council, Thames Valley police, ambulance and community safety crews, and notable institutions such as Reading Buses and the University of Reading to create a cohesive partnership.
This partnership sees venues and organisations around Reading to collaborate on planning, keep customers safe, and maintain a high quality of services from premises.
The award seeks to raise the standards of venues and businesses in town and city centres during the night-time, between 5pm and 5am.
The BID has supported a number of venues in the night-time economy including providing 11 defibrillators in various businesses, thousands of drink testing kits, hi-viz clothing for staff, and recycling initiatives.
It also works with schemes such as Best Bar None to audit venues and has supported the Ask For Angela initiative to promote quality and safety in Reading’s nightlife.
Alexa Volker, Reading BID’s manager, said “We are proud of the partnerships we have developed in support of Reading’s night-time economy and all they have achieved.
“And we were pleased to show the assessors around our town during the overnight assessment.”
“Venues demonstrated the importance they place on the safety and security of all visitors and staff across the broad range of offerings of a night out in Reading.
She explained that this includes: “escape rooms, theatres, bars and clubs, live music, cafés and fine dining, bowling and lessons in playing steel pan.”
Chief inspector at Thames Valley Police Emma Tompkins said: “I am delighted to see that the hard work and passion of our Reading Partnerships have been recognised in this prestigious Purple Flag Award.
“We were very proud to show the assessors the efforts that TVP, working with our partners, will go to in continuing to keep Reading a safe place for everyone to enjoy an evening out. #OneReading”
Purple Flag assessors noted strong partnership between parties, “clear buy-in” from both members of the public and from businesses, and responsible attitudes to care and hospitality among Reading’s venues and organisations.
Reading was also given the accreditation for three years running between 2017-2019.
Cllr Karen Rowland, lead member for environmental services and community safety at RBC, said: “This well-deserved Purple Flag award is not just about the fact that we are working hard to ensure our night-time offerings are safe for everyone.
“It also celebrates the vibrancy and diversity of our evening and night-time offer.”
She continued: “Having won the award before, this is proof that Reading’s team never rests on its laurels.”
“I’m pleased that the good work continues apace in a strengthened focus on ensuring that women and young people feel secure in taking advantage of the ever-increasing options available in Reading.
“Reading can be justifiably proud to have earned this award, achieved by many people and organisations working closely together, and I congratulate everyone involved for their hard work to gain this accreditation.”
Purple Flag accreditation is awarded by the Association of Town & City Management to town centres that meet or surpass the standards of excellence in managing the evening and night-time economy.
