Backlash Over ‘Ask for Angela’ Scheme in London Pubs

London pubs are facing significant backlash following an investigation that revealed widespread failures in enforcing the ‘Ask for Angela’ safety scheme. This initiative, designed to help vulnerable individuals discreetly seek assistance in nightlife venues, has been found lacking in many establishments across the city¹².

The ‘Ask for Angela’ Scheme

The ‘Ask for Angela’ scheme was introduced to provide a discreet way for individuals, particularly women, to signal for help if they feel unsafe or threatened while out in pubs, bars, and clubs. By asking for “Angela,” patrons can alert staff to their distress, prompting staff to assist them in getting to safety, whether by calling a taxi, contacting friends, or involving the police if necessary¹.

Investigation Findings

An undercover investigation by the BBC revealed that staff at many participating venues failed to respond appropriately to the code word. Out of 25 venues visited, 13 did not react correctly when the code word was used. In some cases, staff were unaware of the scheme altogether². This lack of awareness and training has raised serious concerns about the effectiveness of the initiative.

Responses from Venues and Authorities

Several major pub chains, including Greene King and JD Wetherspoon, were implicated in the investigation. Greene King expressed concern over the findings and pledged to review how the scheme is communicated to its staff. JD Wetherspoon acknowledged the issue and committed to providing additional training where necessary².

Sylvia Oates, director of the ‘Ask for Angela’ scheme, expressed disappointment at the investigation’s results, emphasizing the importance of proper training and implementation. She highlighted that venues advertising the scheme have a responsibility to ensure their staff are adequately prepared to respond to requests for help².

Expert Opinions

Helena Conibear, chief executive of the Alcohol Education Trust, stressed that the scheme is essential but must be implemented correctly to be trusted. She called for comprehensive training for all staff members to ensure the scheme’s success¹. Bryony Beynon, co-founder of the campaign group Good Night Out, echoed these sentiments, warning that a “light-touch implementation” could turn the scheme into a mere tick-box exercise, failing to provide real safety for those in need¹.

Moving Forward

The backlash has sparked a broader conversation about the need for effective safety measures in nightlife venues. Advocates are calling for more rigorous training and enforcement to ensure that schemes like ‘Ask for Angela’ can genuinely protect vulnerable individuals. As the discussion continues, it is clear that while the initiative has the potential to make a significant impact, its success hinges on proper implementation and staff awareness.

The findings of this investigation serve as a crucial reminder of the importance of vigilance and training in ensuring the safety of all patrons in nightlife settings.

¹: Independent ²: Standard

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