PLANS for a new guide to stag and hen parties in York have been called ‘useless’.
As previously reported by La PresseYork City Council’s online guide is said to encourage groups to book tables at restaurants in the hope that eating more food will help moderate excessive drinking.
York was awarded Purple Flag status – a scheme which “recognizes excellence in running city centers at night” – in February.
READ MORE: York party boss: stags and hens named as ‘easy target’
And the council’s director of transport, environment and planning, James Gilchrist, said organizations involved in Purple Flag accreditation across the city, including the police and Make it York, are looking for ways to encourage people to behave properly and York will follow other cities. in the production of a guide for revelers.
But according to the boss of the bachelor and hen party, Last night of freedomMatt Mavir, another guide is “useless” given the wealth of information that already exists.
Bachelorette parties have come under fire
Mr Mavir said: ‘When there is already an abundance of information, you have to wonder why the council feels creating its own guide is a priority, especially when times are so tight.’
The Tyneside firm has organized around 45,000 bachelor and bachelorette parties. Like other companies, it already offers a free online guide for stags and hens visiting York.
“Stags and hens want to know where they are welcome, where they can stay and the best pubs and restaurants to eat,” Mr Mavir said.
“Whether it’s a guide like ours or a website like TripAdvisor, there are plenty of places to get this information.
“As well-meaning as it is, I’m not sure creating a council guide will add much to what already exists.”
York has exploded in popularity as a destination for bachelor and bachelorette parties over the past year. Figures provided by Last Night of Freedom showed that the company’s bookings alone have increased by 98% over the past 12 months.
York Central MP Rachael Maskell accused the company of ‘wanting to cash in on the misery’ of people living in the city and said if Mr Mavir lived anywhere near York he would clearly hear the concerns of residents across the city with the prevalence of groups drinking in the city, including those here for stag and hen weekends.
In August, Ms Maskell said: ‘With the surge in ‘airbnb’ vacation rentals across the city, residents are reporting how downtown drunken behavior is then being brought into their neighborhoods.
“It also has an impact on business because people are no longer going to York, and parents are constantly telling me they won’t expose their children to such scenes while visitors tell me they won’t be back until that something will not be done.
“The nightlife economy is spiraling out of control, with York tipped as Britain’s bachelorette party capital.
“We need to put an end to this, put the needs of residents first and give our city back to the people of York.”
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