Third of venues fail to respond to safety scheme

A police force said staff at a third of venues it tested failed to respond to a safety scheme when prompted by plain-clothed officers.

The Ask for Angela initiative, a project in place at thousands of premises nationwide, aims to provide a discreet lifeline for people who believe they are in danger.

Hertfordshire Police said out of the 23 pubs, bars and restaurants that participate in the scheme and were visited by the force, only 16 followed protocol when prompted.

Sgt Karl Diggins said: "All venues were given a full debrief after the test. We also made sure to speak to seasonal staff to explain what Ask For Angela is, and why it's important."

The nationwide scheme enables people to signal for help by asking staff if they can speak to "Angela".

The force said plain-clothed officers visited 14 venues in Watford, Hertfordshire, and 10 responded correctly to the code word.

Officers also visited nine venues in Three Rivers, Hertfordshire, and staff in six premises recognised the scheme.

About 200 bars, pubs, restaurants and clubs in the county have signed up to be a part of the Ask For Angela scheme.

Hundreds of thousands of pounds of taxpayer money has been spent promoting and implementing Ask for Angela in premises across England and Wales.

It is not mandatory for businesses to participate in the scheme as part of licensing conditions in the county.

Hertfordshire Police said if staff working in venues that were part of the scheme did not recognise the code word when prompted, they were given advice and guidance by officers.

Sgt Diggins said: "Ask For Angela is a really important initiative... our licensing officers across the county work really closely with local licensed premises to provide ongoing training, guidance and support.

"Everyone should be able to enjoy a safe night out."

The safety scheme has spread to countries around the world, including Canada and the Netherlands.

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