By Mali Sapsed Foster
Image by Mali Sapsed Foster
While nightlife is steadily rebounding after the negative impact of COVID-19, fears over women’s safety at these establishments are at an all-time high - with over 80% of women wanting safer bars, pubs and restaurants, according to a 2021 YouGov survey.
This follows a study by Drinkaware in which 79% of female respondents between the ages of 18-24 think harassment is likely to happen to them or their friends on a night out, with 63% of all female respondents having personally experienced inappropriate sexual behaviour in bars, nightclubs and clubs.
Oliver Rocks, a 24-year-old General Manager of the Covent Garden nightclub Blame Gloria, asserted that women’s safety is one of his establishment’s main priorities.
Images by Mali Sapsed Foster
“We participate in quite a few initiatives [concerning women’s safety], we work closely with the metropolitan police in training sessions, as well as Wave which is essentially vulnerable people training, and ‘Ask for Angela’ as well.”
Ask for Angela is a scheme, part of the Safer Business Network, whereby those (mainly women) who feel unsafe or threatened can discreetly seek help by asking a staff member for ‘Angela’ – indicating that they require help removing them in an uncomfortable or dangerous situation.
“Sometimes it can be little things, it doesn’t have to be full-on assault, you could just be feeling uncomfortable,” he stated.
“We’ve also got safer together, which is a company initiative of ours essentially ensuring people don’t leave here alone, leave here with groups and also leave with their phones charged,” Oliver continued “We’ve got lots of pictures in the back of each stall stating that we are open to everyone charging their phone behind the bar so please don’t leave here without charging your phone, as well as posters pertaining to spiking”
Video (and images) by Mali Sapsed Foster
The manager admitted to using spike test kits “probably twice a month”, but said there has never been a positive result so far.
Although these schemes could make a massive difference in better ensuring the safety of female customers, the female employees of nightclubs equally face threats to their safety - especially when travelling home alone in the early hours of the morning.
“I’ve never before felt scared until I moved to London,” said Viviana Zaragoza Vidal, a 25-year-old student, and bar supervisor at Fuller’s, “sometimes I call a friend and ask them to keep my company on my way to a place if it’s late and I am scared, it gives me security and makes me feel at least someone will be able to call for help and know something is happening if it does.”
Vivianna’s statements are a common experience for women living and working in London, with 42% of women based in Greater London feeling unsafe during their commute in the dark, and 89% of women across England agreeing that companies should offer enhanced flexible work options allow a safer commute, according to a survey by global employment expert Remote.
Luckily for Vivianna, her employers have helped her when feeling unsafe commuting home late at night: “They order me a cab, keep me on the phone, text me while going home on my own because I was stubborn.” she said.
“I do not think the employer is responsible for my safety or the employees once I clock out. However, they do need to aid you when you need it and so far my experience has proven they do. I wouldn’t know how they could do more for me or other employees.”
Do you feel safe in nightclubs?
Yes (I identify as female)
Yes (I DO NOT identify as female)
No (I identify as female)
No (I DO NOT identify as female)
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