Islington Council draws up plans to tackle sexual harassment in pubs and clubs
A file image of a pub in central London. People are being encouraged to 'ask for Angela' at bars in Islington as code to be called a taxi or helped to leave discreetly. Picture: Yui Mok/PA - Credit: PA Archive/PA Images
Pubs, bars and clubs across Islington could be told to do more to stop women being sexually harassed on a night out.
The town hall has drawn up plans for a new licensing policy setting out what it expects from its venues and how it will decide whether to grant licences.
Among the main changes to the current policy is a pledge to improve safeguarding measures for women and young adults.
That includes promoting the Met’s “ask for Angela” initiative, encouraging anyone who feels vulnerable to say that phrase to staff, who will then ensure they are safe.
Other measures for venues include displaying posters discouraging harassment and encouraging people to report it, taking every report seriously, take steps to support anyone reporting sexual harassment, training staff and introducing ways to ensure women can leave the venue safely.
You may also want to watch:
ID scanners could also be brought in at pubs and clubs that attract younger people between 18 and 25.
Islington’s community chief Kaya Comer-Schwartz, said: “Our proposed new licensing policy will make Islington’s venues a safer place to be by taking further steps to reduce crime and antisocial behaviour as a result of late night alcohol sales.
Most Read
- 1 Man killed in 'shooting' in north London
- 2 Appeal to find four children missing from north London with father and grandmother
- 3 Man killed and two injured in triple shooting
- 4 Letters on People Friendly Streets in St Peter's
- 5 Sadiq Khan warns of flooding threat to Islington from climate emergency
- 6 Thousands of care home staff yet to be vaccinated in London
- 7 Islington kids are being 'drawn into county lines drug smuggling'
- 8 Helen Anderson: Finsbury Park murder victim's father pays tribute to his daughter
- 9 Man jailed for rape of young girl in north London 40 years ago
- 10 Police looking to speak to man in connection with sexual assault
“It’s really important that local residents and businesses have their say on our new plans, so that everyone can be involved in ensuring that Islington is a safe place to be.”
The draft policy also proposes expanding the King's Cross cumulative impact area, which makes it harder for applications to be granted due to the existing saturation of premises.
A borough-wide cumulative impact policy is also being proposed for off-licences, to stop alcohol-related problems.
To have your say on the policy please click here. The deadline for submissions is October 29.
