Ask For Angela: What Every Door Supervisor Needs to Know

In the vibrant and often chaotic landscape of the night-time economy, door supervisors play a vital role that goes far beyond checking IDs and refusing entry to the overly intoxicated. One of the most important, and sometimes life-saving, responsibilities they carry is being able to respond calmly and effectively to a discreet cry for help: “Ask for Angela.”

This initiative may seem simple on the surface, but its impact in safeguarding vulnerable individuals, especially in nightlife environments, is profound. Knowing what to do when someone asks for Angela, and understanding the signs and risks of drink spiking, can quite literally be the difference between a safe night out and a serious incident.

What Is “Ask For Angela”?

“Ask for Angela” is a nationwide safety campaign designed to help people escape uncomfortable or potentially dangerous situations in pubs, clubs, and bars. The concept is simple: if someone feels unsafe, whether they’re on a bad date, being harassed, or feel like their drink may have been spiked, they can approach a staff member or door supervisor and ask for Angela.

This coded request is meant to be discreet. It signals to staff that the person needs assistance, without tipping off any potential threat nearby. From there, trained staff or security should guide the person to a safe space, provide support, and, if necessary, involve friends, family, a taxi, or even the police.

Why Door Supervisors Must Take This Seriously

As frontline staff, door supervisors are often the first and last point of contact for customers entering and exiting a venue. This places them in a pivotal position to spot signs of vulnerability or risk. When someone “Asks for Angela,” it is crucial that the response is swift, calm, and professional.

Some people may be in emotional distress. Others may be trying to avoid a person who is following or harassing them. And some may be trying to escape a situation involving drink spiking, an increasingly common and dangerous trend.

If a door supervisor is unaware of the campaign or dismissive of the request, the consequences can be severe: the individual may be forced to return to an unsafe situation, or worse, leave the premises and fall prey to a predator.

This is why training on Ask for Angela should be part of every venue’s induction and safeguarding procedures, and should be regularly reinforced with both new and existing security personnel.

How Door Supervisors Should Respond to “Ask For Angela”

When someone asks for Angela, follow these key steps:

1. Acknowledge Discreetly

   
   

   Stay calm and composed. A simple nod or subtle “Come with me” can be enough. Avoid drawing attention to the person or the situation.

   
   

2. Remove Them from the Immediate Area

   
   

   Guide them to a quiet, safe location away from the person they are concerned about. This might be the office, cloakroom, or a designated safeguarding space.

   
   

3. Listen and Assess

   
   

   Ask open questions: “What’s happened?” “Are you with anyone?” “How can I help you feel safe?”

   
   

   Don’t pressure them. Let them explain at their own pace.

   
   

4. Take Appropriate Action

   
   

   Depending on the scenario, you may:

   
   

   • Call a taxi or arrange a safe lift home.

   • Call a friend or relative to come collect them.

   • Monitor or remove the individual they are concerned about.

   • Involve the police if necessary.

   
   

5. Record the Incident

   
   

   Log everything factually in the incident book or your venue’s reporting system. Note names, times, actions taken, and any follow-up needed.

Drink Spiking: A Silent Threat in Nightlife Settings

Unfortunately, drink spiking remains a persistent and growing issue. The motivations range from theft to sexual assault. The substances used, often tasteless and odourless can incapacitate a person in minutes. Victims often struggle to remember details, making prosecution difficult.

Door supervisors need to be vigilant and informed:

Spotting the Signs of Drink Spiking:

• Sudden or extreme drowsiness

• Confusion or memory loss

• Slurred speech and loss of motor control that seems out of proportion to the amount consumed

• Vomiting or fainting unexpectedly

• Friends saying “they’re acting strange, this isn’t normal for them”

If someone displays these symptoms, it’s essential to act immediately.

Treat it as a safeguarding emergency, not a case of “too much to drink.”

Key Responsibilities of Door Supervisors in Preventing Drink Spiking

1. Proactive Monitoring

Observe behaviours inside and outside the venue. Watch for suspicious activity, individuals lingering near drinks, overly aggressive flirting, or isolating intoxicated people from their groups.

2. Bag and Pocket Checks (Where Permitted)

Follow legal and ethical procedures for searches and be alert to suspicious items. Many spiking substances are carried in vials, tablets, or powders.

3. Visible Presence

Being approachable, present, and alert can deter potential offenders. A well-placed door supervisor moving through the crowd or checking the bar area regularly sends a strong message: We’re watching. We care.

4. Quick and Calm Intervention

If you suspect someone has been spiked, or they come to you with concerns:

• Escort them to a safe space.

• Get them medical attention immediately (call 999 if needed).

• Keep them awake and talking if possible.

• Don’t leave them alone, especially if they are vomiting or semi-conscious.

• Never eject a suspected victim for “being too drunk.”

Training and Culture Matter

Ultimately, how a venue responds to Ask for Angela and drink spiking incidents reflects its culture and leadership. Door supervisors must be empowered through proper training, supported by their management, and encouraged to treat safeguarding as a core duty, not a tick-box exercise.

That means:

• Regular briefings on drink spiking trends and substances

• Clear safeguarding policies

• Partnerships with local police and health services

• Debriefs after incidents to improve response next time

Final Thoughts

The role of a door supervisor today goes far beyond the stereotypical “bouncer” image. In reality, they are frontline protectors of public safety, especially when it comes to vulnerable individuals late at night.

Initiatives like Ask for Angela give people a vital way out when things go wrong. But that only works if door supervisors understand the campaign, know how to respond, and take each request seriously.

When combined with vigilance around drink spiking, this knowledge doesn’t just protect reputations or prevent legal issues, it safeguards lives.

Let’s ensure every door supervisor is trained, empowered, and ready to respond when someone needs help. Because behind every “Ask for Angela” is someone hoping that you’ll do the right thing.