A name that keeps you safe.
The safety campaign designed to protect people who need help is currently advertised in nightclubs and bars across the UK.
Posters are placed around venues, encouraging anyone who feels under threat, unsafe, or in need of assistance to go to the bar and ‘Ask for Angela’ – a fictitious member of staff. This alerts the employees that the person needs discreet support, and wishes to be removed from the situation they are in.
They know they have a safe way out
Nottingham bar supervisor
The campaign was developed by Lincolnshire County Council, to combat the amount of sexual violence and abuse taking place at evening venues, such as: pubs, bars, restaurants, cinemas, theatres etc. In 2016, it was adopted by the MET Police as part of a local initiative.
The success of the scheme relies on staff having the proper training to deal with a person in distress. This prompted the Lincolnshire County Council to create a pdf document that details the type of guidance venues should offer when assisting someone who has used the codeword.
However, some venues have chosen to display the posters without using the supplementary training protocol. Whilst it is not mandatory to undergo any training to join the scheme, bypassing it could mean that a person in need does not receive proper support.
To see how the campaign was being used in Nottingham, I went out and asked bar staff what they knew about Ask for Angela.
One bar manager, with 15 years’ experience in the industry, said he had never heard a customer request for ‘Angela’.
“I’ve never had anyone Ask for Angela.”
“That doesn’t mean people haven’t needed help though. I’ve seen a lot of kick off over the years. Not long ago, I had two customers come up and tell me that they thought they’d been spiked.”
“We sat them down in a quiet area, got them some water and checked the CCTV which showed that they had. A group of lads had gone over to the girls and slipped something in their drink while talking to them. From there we contacted the police.”
In terms of keeping customers safe, he said the scheme would only work if training was involved.
“The last bar I worked in had posters all around the venue, but we never got told what to do specifically.”
“Not everyone is as alert. Someone who’s new to the industry won’t be as alert to these things as someone with loads of experience.”
“With all my experience, I don’t think I necessarily needed training on what to do in those situations, but for the younger members of staff, training would have been ideal. When someone’s in distress and you don’t know what to do, you can panic, and maybe do the wrong thing.”
Though this venue was not part of the Ask for Angela scheme, the manager stated customer safety was his biggest priority.
“I like to make sure the people I serve know that they are safe in my venue. If anything goes off, or I see anything untoward, I will go over myself to see if everything is okay.”
“I think having someone there who is watching you, and willing to investigate any given situation is what the scheme should be about anyway.”
A nearby bar had the posters on display in the women’s toilets, so I spoke to a female supervisor about what the protocol was if someone needed ‘Angela’.
“I think it depends on what they want from the situation – we all keep our eyes out and assess the situation anyway.”
“If we think they’re in danger then we’ll get them to a safe place. If we see someone feeling uncomfortable, then we’ll make conversation with them and maybe try and bring them more towards the bar.”
I then asked if all staff had received training on how to respond to the codeword.
“We give staff an overview, but I think with newer members of the team they are told to refer to the managers, and others who have been here longer. We give them a brief rundown but mostly we tell them to keep their eye on things.”
“I’ve only been here a few months, but I’ve done it in other pubs I’ve been in. Saying that, I’ve never had anyone come up and say it directly.”
When asked her thoughts on the policy, she said overall it sent a good message.
“I think it is good when people can see the posters, so they know they have a safe way out.”
“I suppose on the flipside of that, it’s such a well-known thing that people won’t want to say that name anymore, so perhaps it’s lost its discretion.”
She said it was also important that staff know to be vigilant.
“I mean I think one of the biggest things is having that instinct, and not being afraid to mention something to somebody. If you see someone looking uncomfortable, do go and mention it.”
“Empower your team, let them know they can always mention these things if they see something happening.”
I asked my friends what they do to stay safe on a night out. Here are their top tips:
- Go out in groups
- Share your location with friends
- Make sure your phone is charged
- Buy your own drink and watch it be made
- Cover your drink with your hand
- Don’t leave your drink unattended
- If you’re meeting someone new, tell your friends who they are, where and what time
- Pre-plan how you will get home
- Tell the staff if you feel comfortable or unsafe
From what I’ve seen, the posters are a step in the right direction. Whether we use the name ‘Angela’ or not, telling bar staff that we’re uncomfortable gives us the power to feel safe on a night out.
If anyone would like to continue the conversation, please comment below.
