PUBS TO ASSIST WOMEN

PUBS and clubs across Townsville have united to protect women from unwanted advances and sexual offences in their establishments.

The “Ask for Angela” initiative has started in 18 Townsville pubs, all outside the Flinders Street East precinct.

Women who are in an uncomfortable or dangerous situation can get help from staff by asking for Angela.

Acting Chief Superintendent Ray Rohweder backed the initiative.

“The Ask for Angela concept, while new to Townsville, will assist anyone who finds themselves at a licensed venue and feels unsafe,” Supt Rohweder said. “They can come to the bar staff and ask for Angela and they will be able to provide them with advice as to how they should go about resolving the situation.

“They’ve ( the 18 pubs signed up to the program) decided that there is a problem here in the community, the publicans have come together and decided to address the issue.

“It’s about feeling safe, it’s about the patrons of these venues, just normal people out to have a meal and a couple of drinks and being able to know that should things go pearshaped, they have a safety net.

“If you feel unsafe, a person is trying to take you away from one of these venues, to get you on your own … it’s really important you stay with the crowd, don’t find yourself isolated.”

Townsville Liquor Accord president Arthur McMahon said all staff at venues implementing the initiative would be trained how to respond to requests for help.

“They’ll get them away from the people and ring up a cab, or a friend, or if the hotel has a courtesy bus they can get them out of that environment,” he said.