The Women’s Night Safety Charter is the latest endeavour from the Mayor of London to fight violence against women and girls in the capital.
Night czar Amy Lamé and deputy mayor for policing and crime Sophie Linden are urging licensed businesses and venues to get behind the scheme.
The charter covers the whole city, making it the first scheme of its kind, with licensing industry chiefs calling it one step closer to “a safe, vibrant and inclusive London for all”.
Earlier this year, Sadiq Khan committed an unprecedented investment of £44m up to 2020 to help lower the risk of crime against women at night.
Advice for businesses
Guidance in the charter includes advice on how to improve staff training, encourage the reporting of harassment and ensure the safety of public spaces.
The scheme has received support from the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA), UK Hospitality, Scotch Whisky Association and the Wine and Spirits Trade Association, as well as the country’s main supermarkets.
The Local Alcohol Partnerships Group (LAPG) and the Portman Group also committed to the new scheme.
The LAPG includes several groups including Best Bar None, Community Alcohol Partnerships, Drinkaware Crew, National Pubwatch, Proof of Age Standards Scheme, Purple Flag and Street Pastors.
Venues including the Ministry of Sound and the O2 have also signed up to the charter, alongside Transport for London.
Industry support
Rita King, Portman Group local partnerships director, said: “We are delighted to add our support to the Women’s Night Safety Charter to create a safe, vibrant and inclusive London for all.
“Every night, Local Alcohol Partnership schemes help visitors and Londoners have an enjoyable and safe night out and we’d love to see this charter roll out in all major cities across the UK.”
Rommel Moseley, business development and partnerships director at Drinkaware, one of the nighttime economy industry organisations in the LAPG, praised the scheme.
He said: “We all have a responsibility to tackle the status quo and there is much more work to be done to stop sexual harassment.
“No one should be having to deal with unwanted sexual advances, harassment or intimidation and we are delighted to be adding our name and voice to efforts to tackle it.”
Brigid Simmonds, chief executive of the BBPA, added: “It is important the late-night and hospitality sector ensures that going out is safe and welcoming for everyone, especially women, so it is quite right that the BBPA and our members have signed up to support the Mayor’s new charter.
“The charter builds on work the industry has already done to ensure everyone has a safe night out, such as the 'Ask for Angela’ campaign and Drinkaware Crew."