Bournemouth Towns night life has been awarded the purple flag for the consecutive 15th year running
Purple flags are a national accreditation awarded to those towns with ‘a safe, vibrant and well managed night life’. It celebrates the towns entertainment, dining, cultural and safety experiences during the night.
However, some Bournemouth residents argue the award is not representing the reality of Bournemouth’s night life.
Last year’s spiking records between May 2023 and 2024 reported 60 cases in Dorset. These statistics have become apparent to people living within Bournemouth area and growing fears of spiking and safety have increased amongst students who regularly go out on these nights out
“spiking’s changed” said a Bournemouth university student “we can now be spiked through vapes, drinks and injections, it scares me to go out.”
Another student stated “It might be safe for men in Bournemouth, but I believe it is a different story for women and young girls”
An anonymous source who was spiked in Bournemouth town criticised the thought of the safe town “the flag is not accurate; Bournemouth is not attempting to help those who don’t feel safe.” And is “actively ignoring the issue”. They added spiking is just one of several concerns there are many cases of assault and unsocial behaviour.”
Bournemouth is 1 out of 100 flag destinations around the world, with its residents questioning whether the purple flag paints an overly positive picture of a nightlife scene Where many still feel unsafe.
Is this award fitting for Bournemouth or are the standards too low?
Students Protest for Gaza outside Bournemouth University