‘Ask for Angela’ scheme should be rolled out in Dublin
Labour General Election candidate in Dublin South Central, Cllr Rebecca Moynihan, has said that Dublin should follow Cork’s lead and roll out the ‘Ask for Angela’ scheme in city pubs and nightclubs.
The initiative, which began in the UK in 2016, is aimed at giving people a discreet way of asking staff for help if they’re feeling unsafe or vulnerable at a venue, by simply ‘asking for Angela’ at the bar.
Cllr Moynihan said:
“This is a brilliant scheme that gives women and men a really simply and discreet way of asking for help in a bar or nightclub if they’re feeling at risk or vulnerable in any given social situation.
“With more people now using online dating apps to meet people they may find themselves in a situation where they don’t feel safe or something simply feels ‘off’, and this code of ‘Asking for Angela’ is a great way of letting staff know they might need help.
“Staff would of course be trained and told what to do if such a situation arises and provide options for the person, such as calling a taxi or a friend.
“It’s great to see this scheme being rolled out in Cork City and trialled in other parts of the country, and I will be recommending to Dublin City Council that a similar arrangement is worked out here.
“While most people will fortunately not find themselves in a risky scenario, it is really important that we take any steps we can to ensure people feel safe on a night out.”