London Bars Back ‘Ask for Angela’ to Keep Night Owls Safe
London’s nightlife is buzzing again this August Bank Holiday, with revellers hitting bars, clubs, and licensed venues in record numbers. For some 18 and 19-year-olds, it might be their first-ever night out inside a venue, post-lockdown.
To keep party-goers safe, the popular safety scheme ‘Ask for Angela’ is making a big comeback. If anyone feels unsafe, threatened, or vulnerable, they can discreetly approach staff and ask for ‘Angela’ – a secret code that signals help is needed.
How ‘Ask for Angela’ Works
- A trained staff member steps in to support the person.
- They may reunite the visitor with friends, escort them to a taxi, or call security or the police.
- Venues signed up have completed Welfare and Vulnerability Engagement (WAVE) training, led by the Met Police and Safer Sounds, empowering staff to spot and assist vulnerable customers.
Since early August, more than 350 frontline staff from over 150 venues have been trained across London. Venues display ‘Ask for Angela’ posters and digital signs to raise awareness.
More Than Just a Code Phrase
The initiative started in Lincolnshire before the Met Police adopted it in 2016. The addition of WAVE training in 2017 expanded its reach. Lockdowns slowed progress, but now businesses are eager to create safer nights out as London’s nightlife roars back.
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.”
“Whether it’s reuniting them with friends, calling a taxi, or involving security or police, we want everyone to enjoy London safely.”
Leaders Unite to Promote Night Safety
Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Sophie Linden, praised the campaign as a big step forward:
“It builds on the success of City Hall’s Women’s Night Safety Charter and is an important part of tackling Violence Against Women and Girls. As restrictions ease and venues fill, Ask for Angela will ensure help is always at hand for those feeling unsafe or threatened.”
Phillipe Chiarella from Safer Sounds added:
“Businesses want to tackle vulnerability head-on, but staff need training to spot it and take action. Venues that sign up to WAVE equip their teams to prevent and reduce violence and sexual offences.”
“Our revitalised Ask for Angela campaign sends a clear message: sexual harassment and assault won’t be tolerated in London’s venues.”
Venues and organisations interested in WAVE training or more info on the campaign can visit www.safersounds.org.uk/wave.
With the Bank Holiday weekend set to be a busy one, London’s nightlife is stepping up to make sure fun doesn’t come at the cost of safety.
