London Bars Back ‘Ask for Angela’ Safety Scheme for Bank Holiday Nights
As London’s nightlife gears up for a busy August Bank Holiday, bars, clubs, and licensed venues are preparing for packed nights—some teens aged 18 and 19 will be stepping into these venues for the first time since lockdown. To keep revellers safe, the city is rolling out the ‘Ask for Angela’ initiative across many hotspots.
What is ‘Ask for Angela’?
The scheme is a discreet safety lifeline for anyone feeling unsafe, vulnerable, or threatened while out at night. Simply ask venue staff for “Angela” and trained members will step in to help.
- Reunite guests with friends
- Arrange safe transport like a taxi
- Call venue security or police if needed
Venues displaying the ‘Ask for Angela’ posters and digital signs employ staff trained through the Welfare and Vulnerability Engagement (WAVE) programme. This training, led by Met Police officers and the Safer Sounds partnership, equips staff to identify vulnerability and intervene effectively. Over 350 frontline personnel across 150 venues have completed the training this August.
A Mayor-Backed Push to Make London’s Nightlife Safer
Originally launched by Lincolnshire County Council and adopted by the Met Police in 2016, ‘Ask for Angela’ has been supercharged post-lockdown with enhanced training and wider public awareness. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Jane Connors said:
“No one should have to put up with unwanted attention or predatory, sexual or violent behaviour. This scheme makes it easier for anyone feeling unsafe or threatened on a night out to access support quickly and discreetly.”
The Met is pledging to tackle violence head-on and ensure Londoners can enjoy nights out without fear.
Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime Sophie Linden added:
“With venues now open and busy through the night, it’s vital we prevent and reduce sexual violence. The ‘Ask for Angela’ initiative makes vital support quick and easy to access, and I encourage every nightlife spot in London to sign up.”
Training Venues to Spot & Support Vulnerable Customers
Phillipe Chiarella from Safer Sounds explained that venue staff often want to help but may lack the tools to spot vulnerability or intervene:
“Our WAVE programme trains staff to actively assist customers in trouble, helping reduce violent and sexual offences. We want London’s venues to be places where harassment and assault are never tolerated.”
The Safer Sounds partnership is also providing social media resources to spark conversations about respectful behaviour, aiming to make London’s nightlife safer for all.
For venues interested in WAVE training, visit www.safersounds.org.uk/wave to learn more.
