Ask for Angela scheme to be promoted in alcohol licensing applications in Moray
Alcohol license holders in Moray will be asked to consider participating in a national scheme aimed at protecting people who feel vulnerable on a night out.
Moray’s Licensing Board has agreed to introduce endorsement of the Ask for Angela scheme as part of the licensing process, following a motion brought forward by Cllr Kathleen Robertson.
The scheme encourages anyone who feels at risk in a bar or club to discreetly ask staff for ‘Angela’. This codeword signals that they need help and should prompt staff to make sure the person can leave the venue safely and without confrontation.
Information on how to set up the scheme along with vulnerability training and free posters are available on the Ask for Angela website.
Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Robertson, said: “We’ve all heard stories where a night out has taken a turn - often leaving someone feeling frightened, uncomfortable, or unsure how to get out of the situation.
“This scheme provides a simple but effective way to encourage licensees to help individuals feel safe on their premises.
“I’m very pleased that we’ll be promoting this in Moray. It’s a small step that has the potential to make an enormous difference, particularly to women and members of the LGBTQ+ community, who are said to be impacted disproportionately by unwanted attention.”
It is the first Notice of Motion introduced at the Moray Licensing Board in 18-years. The board also recognises a number of local schemes - Pub Watch, Safer City Centre Initiatives, Door Safe Schemes and Best Bar None.
Moray Licensing Board co-chair, Cllr Sonya Warren, added: “This is about creating safer spaces in our communities, and making sure people know they’re not alone if something doesn’t feel right. Ask for Angela is such a simple idea, but it can be a lifeline in the moment.”
Cllr Peter Bloomfield, co-chair of the Licensing Board, agreed: “Anything we can do to make people safer on a night out is worth supporting. The Ask for Angela scheme is easy to implement and sends a clear message that venues take safety seriously.”