Issue - meetings

Arif Sain, Head of Equalities, presented a report seeking formal agreement for officers to develop and implement the ‘Ask Angela’ campaign and receive progress reports.

The campaign aims to reduce sexual violence and vulnerability. It provides the customer of a licenced premises with a nondescript phrase they can use to gain assistance from staff members.

Members agreed that the campaign has huge potential and suggested that it be extended to include public transport. Concerns were raised regarding the training and safeguarding of staff members in participating venues.

Councillor Russell suggested the council’s Safeguarding and Domestic Violence teams could assist and help promote the campaign.

The Section Leader and Arif Sain, Head of Equalities, provided the following responses to issues raised by the Committee:

• Updates of the campaign would be provided to members;
• Participating venues would receive written guidance and a briefing on the scheme, conducted by Council officers and partners;
• The initiative would be launched with a publicity campaign on 7 December 2017;
• The press and social media would promote the scheme, and posters and leaflets would be published at minimal cost.
• The partners would include West Midlands Police, Pub Watch and CWCs Community Safety Unit.

Resolved:

That Members of the Licensing Committee formally agreed the proposed ‘Ask Angela’ campaign and would receive further progress reports.