Ask for Angela Safety Scheme Fails to Protect Vulnerable Patrons, BBC Investigation Reveals
A BBC undercover investigation has exposed significant failures in the Ask for Angela safety initiative, raising serious concerns about the protection of vulnerable individuals in bars and clubs across London. The scheme, designed to provide a discreet lifeline for people feeling unsafe, is proving to be ineffective in many participating venues.
The investigation, which secretly recorded 25 pubs, bars, and clubs promoting the Ask for Angela initiative, found that 13 out of 25 venues failed to respond appropriately when the code word “Angela” was used. This alarming statistic has prompted widespread criticism from local authorities and safety advocates.
Jack, a bar employee who worked in three different venues implementing the scheme between 2018 and 2024, provided crucial insider insights. He revealed that while venues initially brief staff and display posters, training is often inconsistent and not effectively passed on to new employees. Many staff members remain unaware of the scheme’s protocols, potentially leaving vulnerable individuals at risk.
“Some people weren’t even aware we were running it,” Jack explained. “If someone would ask about Angela, they wouldn’t have a clue what was going on.” He believes many venues are merely “ticking boxes” without genuinely prioritizing patron safety, calling the implementation “futile” and “pointless.”
The scheme, which allows anyone feeling unsafe to discreetly ask for “Angela” at the bar, is primarily aimed at protecting women from potentially dangerous situations. However, the investigation suggests systematic failures in its implementation.
Local and national leaders have responded to the findings. Mayor of London Sadiq Khan called the results “shocking and unacceptable,” while a government spokesperson described them as “deeply concerning.” Hundreds of thousands of pounds of taxpayer money have been spent promoting the initiative by police, local councils, and the mayor’s office.
Sylvia Oates, director of Ask for Angela, acknowledged it was a “real concern” that the scheme was not successful in premises advertising it. Some major pub chains, including Greene King and JD Wetherspoon, have pledged to review their training and communication processes.
Originally named after Angela Crompton, a woman murdered by her husband, the safety initiative has spread internationally to countries like Canada and the Netherlands. Westminster City Council has even made participation a key factor in granting alcohol licenses.
The investigation highlights a critical gap between the scheme’s intentions and its actual implementation. With more than half of the tested venues failing to respond appropriately, the Ask for Angela initiative appears to be falling short of its primary goal of protecting vulnerable individuals.
As discussions continue about improving the scheme’s effectiveness, the findings serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in creating safe social environments for all patrons.
