The investigation sparked outrage after pubs in London failed to implement the Ask Angela safety plan

Pubs in London are facing a backlash after reports revealed a vital security password scheme designed to support struggling customers. not implemented properly.

an investigation It found that staff at pubs, bars and clubs that signed up to the initiative often ignored the code word a customer in need said, “Angela”, to secretly signal for help.

The “Ask Angela” scheme, which aims to make nightlife safer, especially for vulnerable women, has been adopted by thousands of venues across the country but reportedly falls short in implementation.

Helena Conibear, CEO anti-spiking charityAlcohol Education Foundation explained Independent that some staff were not properly trained on how to implement the programme.

Undercover footage by BBC journalists revealed staff at half of London venues, including leading chains, did not respond to the code word and the company had received reports of similar problems from across the UK.

Helena Conibear

Ms Connibear said: “The program itself is really good, but it is not something that should be taken lightly or that anyone should pay lip service to, and that is very important if it is to be trusted.”

He cautioned that training is not provided on site, as he wants all clients to know that if they ask for Angela, they will be helped.

Ms Connibear said the initiative was “absolutely essential” for those exposed to the spike, adding that if we were to advocate for it we needed to be able to rely on it.

“I was surprised that this was the case as it appeared to be a very well-run programme,” he added. “I was shocked. We need plans like this, so I don’t want to denigrate the plan, but it needs to be implemented properly.

The Ask Angela initiative, which operates in thousands of venues in England, takes its name from Angela Crompton, who was murdered by her husband. When workers hear the code word, they must intervene discreetly and take the person to safety by taking him to friends, calling a taxi, or calling the police if necessary.

Bryony Beynon

Bryony Beynon, co-founder of campaign group Good Night Out, said they had “been campaigning for gender-based violence prevention to be a licensing requirement for a decade, but we have major concerns about councils tying this specifically to codifying word-based response models.” .

He added: “As the BBC investigation sadly shows, this approach can end up turning what should be a key security priority into a tick-box exercise.

“Sexual harassment is about having your choices taken away from you and silencing you. Any response pattern that intentionally or otherwise replicates both of these emotions for the victim will need to be studied to be effective in practice.

Ms Benyon argued that they had often seen “light implementation” of the scheme “could lead to a ‘just call a taxi’ policy, banishing victims while failing to challenge perpetrators”, adding that this was “dangerous and unfair”. .

He said: “We welcome this conversation and want to highlight that busy, overworked and underpaid nightlife staff should not be individually blamed for these failings.”