City wins award for scheme to improve night safety

An international award has been given to a city in recognition of its efforts to improve safety within the night-time economy.

Bristol Nights was the winner of the Best Night Time Initiative Award at the Music Cities Awards in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for its Women's Safety Charter Campaign.

Bristol Nights is a project lead by Bristol City Council in collaboration with organisations across the city with the goal of supporting Bristol's large night-time economy.

"This award demonstrates that Bristol rightly deserves its place as a global leader in supporting the city after dark," said Carly Heath, Bristol's night-time economy advisor.

"The Women's Safety Charter, alongside other campaigns, has fostered a sense of unity among the night-time community, empowering our night-time venues to create a vibrant city after dark, and safer spaces for everyone."

The Women's Safety Charter was launched by Bristol Nights in 2022 and sets out a seven point code of commitments designed to help businesses address harassment and discrimination.

Bristol Nights has also trained 500 "night safety champions" on bystander intervention.

The scheme has received positive feedback and the council said there are plans to do more to tackle the issues around women's safety.

"We are dedicated to continuing our work and expanding our efforts to make sure everyone can enjoy our city's vibrant night-time economy without fear of harassment or discrimination," said councillor Stephen Williams, chair of the public health and communities committee.

"This award is not just a recognition of our past achievements, but a motivation to keep pushing forward for a safer, more inclusive future."