Council reaffirms support for pub safety scheme
The Ask for Angela initiative alerts pub and bar staff to women feeling vulnerable in public spaces
A safety initiative to help vulnerable people feel safe in pubs, bars and shops has been given the thumbs up by Wiltshire Councillors.
At last week’s full council meeting (Tuesday, July 22) a motion asked the council to reaffirm its support for the Ask for Angela scheme.
Proposing the motion, councillor Keith Allen (Reform UK, Tidworth North and West) explained the scheme encouraged someone who feels uncomfortable or threatened in a public place like a pub or shop to approach a member of staff and ‘Ask for Angela’.
The code phrase signals to staff that the person needs help.
“In pubs and clubs if women feel threatened they can Ask for Angela at the bar,” he explained.
“Someone takes them to a nice place, talks to them, and if they need to take the matter to the police they can,” said Cllr Allen.
Cllr Allen said that although Wiltshire’s publicans were aware of the scheme, there was less recognition in the retail community.
“Can we spread the word more to publicise it? We can’t make it mandatory, but can we push them in right direction to implement it?” he asked.
Responding, Cllr Mel Jacob, cabinet member for communities and engagement, said: “It’s a well-known scheme that actually applies to both men and women.
“The council already has a statement of licensing policy that confirms we’re committed to promoting Ask for Angela through the Pubwatch scheme.”
The motion, “This council reaffirms its support for the Ask for Angela scheme and commits to actively promote the scheme more widely,” was passed by 74 to nil, with one abstention.