A new Night-Time Safety Charter designed to strengthen safety across Liverpool’s busy night-time visitor economy will be launched on Wednesday 11 March.
The charter sets out a series of voluntary safety pledges for venues operating between 6pm and 6am, including bars, clubs, restaurants, gyms, shops, hotels, transport providers and cultural institutions. By signing up, businesses demonstrate a visible commitment to zero tolerance of harassment and to protecting both staff and the millions of people who enjoy the city after dark.
At the heart of the initiative is the expansion of the Ask for Angela scheme, which gives anyone feeling unsafe, threatened or vulnerable a discreet way to ask for help — whether they are on a night out, exercising in the gym or simply visiting a local shop.
Liverpool City Region Destination Partnership Night-Time Economy Board representative and Chair of Liverpool Nightlife CIC, John Hughes, welcomed the launch, saying:
“Liverpool’s night-time economy is one of the city’s greatest cultural and economic assets, supporting thousands of jobs and drawing visitors from around the world. But its success relies on people feeling safe.
“This charter represents a shared commitment from businesses, partners and the city to raise the bar on safety standards and create a night-time environment where people know they will be supported, protected and listened to.
“A thriving visitor economy is built on trust, and this is a forward‑thinking step that strengthens the foundations of what makes Liverpool such an exceptional place to visit, work and socialise after dark.”
Cabinet Member for Safer Stronger Communities, Cllr Laura Robertson-Collins, said:
“Liverpool is proud of its reputation as a safe and welcoming city for millions of visitors each year. This new scheme builds on our strong partnership with night‑time economy businesses to ensure staff and customers have the best possible experience.
Everyone deserves the right to work or enjoy a night out without harassment, and this charter is designed to help keep them safe.”
WHAT THE CHARTER INCLUDES
Developed by Liverpool City Council alongside partners including Merseyside Police and Nightlife CIC, the charter will offer:
- Free staff training
- Guidance on reporting harassment and unacceptable behaviour
- Promotional materials to increase staff and customer awareness
Businesses signing the charter commit to seven pledges:
- Champion: Appoint a safety champion to lead and support action
- Communicate: Provide clear positive messaging to staff and the public
- Support staff: Offer ways for staff to report unacceptable behaviour
- Support the public: Ensure customers know how to report concerns
- Train to respond: Provide bystander and response training
- Train to record: Ensure staff can record and store information safely
- Design for safety: Regularly audit the space and reduce risk
Part of wider night-time safety work
The charter reinforces Liverpool’s longstanding commitment to safety after dark, including its Purple Flag accreditation, which the city has held for 16 years in recognition of its safe, diverse and welcoming night-time offer.
More information can be found HERE.