A BBC undercover investigation has uncovered significant failures in the ‘Ask for Angela’ safety initiative, which aims to help individuals feeling unsafe in pubs and bars. Filming revealed that staff at numerous venues, including major chains, often did not recognize the code word ‘Angela’ when approached for help. Of the 25 venues tested in London, 13 failed to respond appropriately. Women’s safety advocates are urging for mandatory implementation and enforcement of the scheme, emphasizing that its current inefficacy risks the safety of vulnerable patrons. The initiative, launched in 2016, should support all individuals feeling threatened.