BBC Investigation Reveals Flaws in “Ask for Angela” Safety Scheme
A BBC undercover investigation has uncovered significant shortcomings in the “Ask for Angela” safety initiative, designed to protect customers who feel unsafe in bars, pubs, and clubs. The scheme, which allows individuals to discreetly signal for help by asking for “Angela”, is not being consistently implemented across venues nationwide.
The investigation found that in half of the London venues visited, staff failed to respond appropriately to the code word. Large chains including Greene King, JD Wetherspoon, and Simmons were among those whose staff did not recognize the safety protocol.
The Ask for Angela initiative, named after Angela Crompton, a victim of domestic murder, is intended to provide a lifeline for people feeling threatened. When someone uses the code word, staff are supposed to discreetly intervene, helping the person get to safety by reuniting them with friends, calling a taxi, or contacting the police if necessary.
In the BBC’s testing, 13 out of 25 venues failed to respond correctly. One woman, identified as “Kay”, shared a harrowing experience of a date where she felt uncomfortable and threatened, highlighting the potential importance of such a safety scheme.
Some venues demonstrated the correct implementation. At Hootananny in Brixton, staff immediately responded to the code word, leading the researcher to a safe space and offering assistance. Similarly, the White Hart in Drury Lane staff activated their response protocol and even arranged a safe haven at a nearby pub.
The scheme has received significant public funding, with hundreds of thousands of pounds invested by organizations like the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime, the Greater London Authority, and the Met Police. Many councils, including Westminster, Camden, and Manchester, now consider Ask for Angela implementation when granting alcohol licenses.
Women’s safety campaigners, including Jamie Klingler from Reclaim These Streets, are calling for mandatory implementation with proper enforcement. Klingler warned that the scheme’s current inconsistency puts women at risk.
Sylvia Oates, director of Ask for Angela, acknowledged the concerns, attributing potential failures to high staff turnover in the hospitality industry. She is advocating for stronger compliance measures, such as implementing fines, and plans to meet with MPs to discuss improving the scheme.
Reports from across the UK suggest the problem may be widespread, with women’s safety organizations in areas like Oxford, West Midlands, Manchester, and Cornwall reporting similar implementation issues.
The investigation raises serious questions about the effectiveness of a safety initiative that many venues advertise but fail to properly execute, potentially leaving vulnerable individuals without the protection they expect.
