Purple Flag is a national accreditation that recognises an area with a well-run, vibrant, welcoming and diverse night time economy. There are numerous awards across the UK and Ireland, including Derry / Londonderry, Enniskillen, Newry, Armagh and Dublin.

To bring this accreditation to Belfast the Linen Quarter BID, in partnership with Belfast One and Destination CQ, has brought together a multi-agency steering group to co-ordinate necessary action. To secure Purple Flag status, Belfast needs to provide a clean welcoming and safe environment, with good transport links and a vibrant mix of venues and attractions which are appealing to visitors. This mix will include the wider cultural offer, family options, and options that do not involve alcohol, as well as the traditional mix of well-run pubs, restaurants and music venues.

The steering group will be submitting the application in October 2019, which will be followed by a detailed assessment and an announcement of the result in February 2020.