A scheme supporting people who feel unsafe on dates is available in pubs and bars across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
Now more people are going out with the easing of lockdown, a reminder has been issued about the ‘Ask for Angela’ campaign.
Anyone in a difficult or intimidating situation while out on a date, or with someone they are out with, can approach pub or bar staff and use the code phrase ‘Ask for Angela’.
They will then be offered support - which may include calling a taxi or helping them to leave discreetly.
The scheme can be found in more than 180 locations across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
As pubs and other venues begin to fully reopen to customers following the pandemic, we would like to remind people about the Ask for Angela initiative.
“It’s great to see that many of our licensees are on board with it. It really is a simple, yet effective, scheme that helps support and reassure people if they are feeling vulnerable while out on dates.
“Those feelings of vulnerability might be for a number of reasons, including a person’s behaviour, actions or words.
“Ask for Angela can also be a more comfortable way of admitting you might feel uneasy to staff, who are specially trained to deal with these situations.
Person:Deborah Taylor, Leicestershire County Council lead member for children and familiesSuperintendent Jonny Starbuck, of Leicestershire Police, added: “People should always feel safe when they are out and the ‘Ask for Angela’ initiative means members of the public can be assured that help and support is available should they ever feel that they are in a vulnerable situation.
“It is great to see licensees and venues adopting the initiative and we would encourage those who aren’t aware of ‘Ask for Angela’ to find out more about it as we continue to work together to keep our communities safe.”
Tim Arnold, landlord of The Elbow Rooms in Hinckley said: "As licensees we have a duty of care to safeguard everyone who enters our premises to the best of our ability whatever their gender or age when we see or suspect abuse.
“The Ask for Angela campaign takes this to another level where vulnerable customers can seek help inconspicuously, when no obvious issue exists, without alerting their potential abuser.
“None of our customers have yet had to take advantage of Ask for Angela service but it’s there if needed and we will continue to fully support it in the future."
Any venue interested in taking part in Ask for Angela can contact their local community safety team.
More information and details on venues taking part in the scheme is available.