Ask for Angela helps keep nights out safe. Newham Licensing officers checked venues in Stratford for training and compliance with this safeguarding scheme.
With the festive season upon us – many will be heading out to the borough’s nightspots for fun and merriment.
However late nights and alcohol consumption can place, particularly women and girls, at potential increased risk of harm.
One scheme that aims to assist is the “Ask for Angela” project.
"Ask for Angela" is a discreet code phrase used in bars, clubs, and other venues for people feeling unsafe, vulnerable, or threatened, allowing them to ask staff for help without drawing attention, by simply asking the staff if they "can ask for Angela".
As part of Newham’s night-time economy safeguarding strategy and commitment to 16 Days of Activism for Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) – Council Licensing officers have been assessing the impact of the Ask Angela scheme in one of our busiest night-time economy areas.
Earlier this month Licensing Officers visited to 10 licensed premises in Stratford, including pubs, bars, clubs, and late-night restaurants.
Checks included:
- Using the Asking for Angela code to staff
- Checking safeguarding materials on display
- Speaking with Managers and frontline staff
- Discussing incident reporting procedures
- Assessing general venue safety (CCTV, lighting, staff presence, door team awareness)
Compliance was generally good with eight out of the ten venues showing a good knowledge of, and training around, the Ask Angela scheme. These venues tended to be part of larger chains – with smaller independent or newer venues (two) showing less understanding of the scheme.
Eighty per cent of venues had provided formal internal training to understand the scheme and spot vulnerable individuals.
Councillor Amar Virdee, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said: “We want people to have fun on a night out, and we want them to be safe too.
“Ask for Angela is an important scheme – but it’s only as good as the number of venues who run it – and the number of people of have heard of it. I would encourage all woman, indeed all residents to become acquainted with it, so we can help people at their most vulnerable.
“Our Licensing officers will continue with this work, checking venues and spreading the word about training for staff, but please do check the Ask for Angela website to help your loved ones stay safe this Christmas.”
