York Business Improvement District (BID) and its partners have launched a new campaign titled ‘Choose respect, not regrets’ which they hope will have a big impact. The campaign is part of the Purple Flag accreditation and emphasises the importance of respectful behaviour within the city of York.
The campaign was in launched response to a notable rise in hate crimes targeting hospitality staff, highlighting an urgent need for behavioural change. It aims to instil a sense of responsibility among those enjoying York’s nightlife by encouraging them to consider the consequences of their actions upon residents, businesses, and long-term visitors. This message is communicated through eye-catching graphics and colours displayed throughout the city.
United against bad behaviour
The campaign’s launch was marked by the unveiling of new shop wraps, attended by representatives from several partner organisations. These included York BID, Street Cleaners, Street Rangers, Marshals, Eboracum, City of York Council, North Yorkshire Police, the British Transport Police, Make It York, York Rescue Boat, and Street Angels.
The campaign addresses a number of issues such as anti-littering, respectful language, moderate drinking, river safety, rail travel, public urination and street noise. These messages are prominently displayed on shop wraps, bollards, planters, cigarette bins, adverts, buses, and public toilets, starting from York Rail Station and extending throughout the city centre.
York was recently reaccredited with the prestigious Purple Flag designation from the Association of Town and City Management. This designation signifies that York offers a vibrant, diverse, and safe experience for both residents and visitors from early evening into the night. Since late 2023, the responsibility for maintaining this designation has been managed by York BID, taking over from the City of York Council.
A better York for all
Carl Alsop, operations manager at York BID, is coordinating the campaign. He said:
“This campaign aims to encourage respectful behaviour. York has a unique and diverse night time economy, and pubs, bars and restaurants are crucial to the success of this. We want everyone, from residents and students to workers and visitors, to have a safe and inviting experience in the city. We chose Feasegate as our shop wrap location to enhance the area and have used as many places as possible to showcase repetitious messaging for the intended audiences. This is all part of a much larger campaign around safety and respect for all.”
Councillor Peter Kilbane, deputy leader of the council and executive member for economy and culture at City of York Council, said:
“I welcome this campaign which asks everyone who enjoys our city centre’s vibrant evening economy to respect all who work in it. The city’s hospitality, transport and security workers spend their evenings looking after us, making sure people have great night out, while keeping us all safe. We take our hats off to them and call on everyone to show them nothing but kindness and respect. We’ll be sharing the message with people as they plan their trip to York, travel and arrive here, and while they’re out and about in the city: ‘Choose respect, not regrets’.
The ‘Choose respect, not regrets’ campaign underscores York’s commitment to fostering a respectful and enjoyable environment for everyone in the city. Through its strategic messaging and community collaboration, the campaign aims to create a positive impact and ensure a welcoming atmosphere for all. More information about the campaign can be found here.
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