Protecting women from unwanted attention or harassment in bars and licensed premises could get a boost should new proposals be accepted by councillors.
The ‘Ask For Angela’ scheme is designed to provide a lifeline to those experiencing a date going wrong or are anxious about the company they are with in bars and restaurants. All that is needed is for the concerned person to ask staff for ‘Angela’, and those trained to recognise the codeword will ensure a safe exit.
Moray licensed premises have yet to implement the nationwide scheme, and the leader of Moray Council, Cllr Kathleen Robertson, wants that to change.
License approvals and renewals
In a Notice of Motion being considered by the Moray Licensing Board at the end of the month, Cllr Robertson is seeking cross-party support for the scheme to be a voluntary part of alcohol license approvals and renewals.
A BBC investigation, which revealed that more than half of venues failed to respond correctly, prompted her to act.
“I find it surprising that the Ask For Angela scheme isn’t in place in Moray,” she said.
“So often we hear of women – and it is mainly women – getting into situations in licensed premises that are out of control. It can lead to abuse, violence and in worse-case scenarios, rape.
“I believe this simple, cost neutral change to the licensing process will ensure the scheme is embedded in all premises where alcohol is served, improving the protection available for women from unwanted attention.”
Endorsed by Police Scotland, the scheme was created by Lincolnshire Community Council in 2016. This followed the death of local resident Angela Phillips who was killed by her husband Thomas Crompton just three months after they married.
Cost-free scheme
Landlady of the Kimberley pub in Findhorn, Charlotte Hessel, is also backing the proposal.
“It’s a simple, cost-free scheme that could create vastly different outcomes for some people,” she said.
“We all know that alcohol frequently changes behaviours, and situations can escalate quickly. “This is a safety valve that could make a huge difference in some situations, and we will be implementing it here in the Kimberley.”
About £13.1m in public funds has been allocated to police forces and local authorities across the UK through the Home Office Safer Streets Fund since 2021. The equivalent funding available from the Scottish Government would be through the Delivering Equally Safe Fund and the Victim Centred Approach Fund.
Free posters
Free posters and staff training material are available from the Ask For Angela website. Manager of Moray Rape Crisis, Caroline Burrell, welcomes the move.
“Moray Rape Crisis is pleased to support the introduction of the Ask For Angela scheme in Moray,” she said.
“Our public spaces should be safe for everyone, but women and LGBTQ+ people using our services frequently tell us about sexual harassment and other forms of abuse they have experienced in venues in the area. This scheme supports venues to help keep their customers safe from harm, and we welcome its proposed introduction into Moray’s licensing process.”
