The Cook Government has just rolled out the international ‘Ask for Angela’ safety initiative into Perth and Northbridge’s busy nightlife areas, with plans to expand it across entertainment precincts in WA.

It’s a simple idea with real muscle: if someone feels unsafe in a pub, bar, club or restaurant, they can quietly ask a staff member, “Can I speak to Angela?” and trained staff will know to step in, moving them to a safe space, helping arrange a way home, or calling police if needed.

The campaign has been used overseas and in other parts of Australia, and now WA venues can access free training resources and posters to help their teams get on board.

“Everyone deserves to feel safe on a night out,” Racing and Gaming Minister Paul Papalia said. “The ‘Ask for Angela’ campaign is a proven safety initiative driven by a practical, and common-sense approach that is easy for a range of venues to implement.”

He urged licensees to get their teams trained and ready so staff are confident supporting someone who’s feeling vulnerable.

Helping to end alcohol-fuelled violence

Minister for Women Simone McGurk said the initiative offered a discreet way for staff to help people who might otherwise be left to fend for themselves.

“This initiative gives staff at licensed premises a discreet way to assist someone who may be feeling unsafe and ensures that whenever someone asks for Angela, they receive the help they need,” she said.

Industry groups are right behind the rollout. Australian Hotels Association WA’s Angela Beechey said venues already play a big role in keeping patrons safe, and “Ask for Angela” gives staff “a simple, discreet way to assist someone who may be feeling unsafe without escalating the situation.” The AHA plans to work training partners to include the campaign in standard Responsible Service of Alcohol training.

What the stats tell us

Safety on a night out isn’t just about dodging awkward conversations and spilled drinks — violence linked to alcohol and in entertainment settings is a real concern.

A 2022–23 national survey found that about one in five Australians (21%) had been verbally or physically abused, or put in fear, by someone under the influence of alcohol in the past year — that’s roughly 4.6 million people. Women’s rates of physical abuse under the influence increased compared with 2019, and women were more likely than men to be put in fear.

Alcohol is also connected with family and domestic violence: research suggests it’s involved in between 23 per cent and 65 per cent of police-reported family violence incidents, and once alcohol is in the mix the severity of violence often increases.

Overall violence statistics show serious patterns: an ABS survey found that around 41 per cent of Australians have experienced physical or sexual violence since age 15, with women far more likely than men to have experienced sexual violence.

These numbers are a reminder that addressing public safety in licensed venues plays a major part in addressing a broader culture of alcohol-related harm and violence.

How venues can get involved

Pubs, clubs, hotels, entertainment spots, sports clubs and restaurants across Perth/Northbridge and other WA entertainment precincts can get involved now. Free training guides and campaign posters are available at the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety’s website.

With the simple slogan “Ask for Angela,” venue staff get a clear tool to support people in trouble, and patrons get a quiet way to reach out for help, on the house.

Pubs, clubs, hotels, entertainment venues, sports clubs and restaurants can access more information and free resources via www.lgirs.wa.gov.au/ask-for-angela

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