Police test Wolverhampton night-time venues on safety by 'Asking for Angela'

After recent training delivered through Wolverhampton Pub Watch and a series of leaflet drops by the force's licencing officers, they carried out several test scenarios to see how venues would respond when someone asked for ‘Angela’.

The Ask for Angela scheme is designed so anyone feeling vulnerable, uncomfortable or at risk can approach a member of staff and ask for ‘Angela’.

Staff should take them to a safe space, offer support, and help them leave safely, whether by reuniting them with friends, calling a taxi or contacting police if needed.

Plain-clothes officers visited several Wolverhampton city centre venues, including the Hogshead, Slug and Lettuce, and Bunk, requesting ‘Angela’ to test whether staff recognised the code word and followed the correct procedures.

Officers were encouraged by the positive responses received at a number of locations, with staff acting quickly and discreetly to offer safeguarding.

Licensing officer Kayley Nixon said: “Everyone deserves to feel safe on a night out.

"Ask for Angela is a simple but effective way for people to discreetly get help if something doesn’t feel right.

“These checks help us understand how well the scheme is working locally and allows us to support venues to do even better.

"We’ll continue working with local partners and venues to make sure bars and restaurants are confident in how to respond and together working to keep people safe.”

A force spokesperson said: "This activity forms part of #SaferStreetsWinter, our seasonal initiative aimed at helping people enjoy nights out safely across the colder months.

"We are stepping up patrols and working with local venues and partners across the region to ensure city-centre nightlife remains safe this winter.

"If you ever feel uncomfortable or unsafe when you’re out, you can approach staff and ask for “Angela”.

For more advice on staying safe, visit the 'Safer Nights Out' page.