New Liverpool Night-Time Safety Charter Launches to Protect Public

A city-wide crackdown on harassment and unacceptable behaviour has officially begun with the launch of the Liverpool Night-Time Safety Charter. 

Starting Wednesday 11 March, bars, clubs, gyms, and hotels operating between 6pm and 6am are being urged to sign a new seven-point pledge to protect both staff and the public.

The initiative, led by Liverpool City Council alongside Merseyside Police and Nightlife CIC, marks a massive escalation in the city’s efforts to maintain its safe, welcoming reputation for residents, students, and tourists alike.

The charter isn’t just for bars; it extends to shops, leisure centres, and transport hubs.

By signing up, businesses commit to appointing safety champions, providing bystander training for staff, and promoting the ‘Ask for Angela’ scheme, a discreet way for anyone feeling threatened to seek immediate help.

A United Front Against Harassment

The move has been hailed as a vital step in ensuring everyone can enjoy the city’s world-famous nightlife without fear. Cllr Laura Robertson-Collins, Cabinet Member for Safer Stronger Communities, said:

“We are proud of Liverpool’s reputation as a safe and welcoming city each year for millions of people from around the world.

“This new scheme is designed to build on the strong partnership that already exists in our city and work hand in glove with our night-time economy businesses to ensure their staff and customers have the best possible experience.

“Everyone deserves the right to work or have a night out without being harassed and feeling threatened, and our Night-Time Safety Charter aims to help keep them safe.”

Sergeant Craig Carmichael, from Merseyside Police’s Licensing Team, emphasized that the charter works alongside active police patrols:

“Liverpool has a well‑earned reputation as a safe, welcoming city and we are committed to working closely with Liverpool City Council and our partners to make sure everyone can enjoy the night‑time economy without fear of harassment or harm.

“These efforts, alongside the new Night-Time Safety Charter, help create environments where both staff and the public know how to seek support and feel confident that concerns will be taken seriously.”

Student Safety at the Heart of the Charter

With a massive student population, making the city feel secure for newcomers was a top priority during the design phase. University of Liverpool student Leia-Rose Mills, who helped shape the document, said:

“Liverpool’s student population will benefit beyond belief with the Councils Night-Time Safety Charter.

“Having venues that you feel safe in when you move to a new city is undoubtedly a priority.”

Iwona Kossek, Co-director of Ask for Angela, added:

“The Night-Time Safety Charter is a positive step that brings venues and partners together to take a clear stand against harassment and unacceptable behaviour.

“We’re proud that Ask for Angela is part of this work, giving people a discreet way to seek help if they feel unsafe.”

The Seven Pledges for Businesses

To join the charter, venues must commit to auditing their spaces for safety and training staff to record and report misconduct correctly.

Participating businesses will receive free staff training and promotional materials to show they are part of the scheme.

This builds on Liverpool’s Purple Flag status, an accreditation the city has held for 16 years in recognition of its safe leisure environment.

The official seven pledges are:

• Champion: Appoint a champion to lead any action and offer support
• Communicate: Create a positive communication campaign for the public and staff. Both online and in your spaces
• Support your staff: Give clear ways for staff to report unacceptable behaviour at work. Support cultural change
• Support the public: Make sure your customers know how to report any unacceptable behaviour they experience in your space
• Train to respond: Train staff on how to respond. Bystander training is key. Include any relevant policies
• Train to record: Train staff on how to record the right information, and how to share confidential details
• Design for safety: Audit your space regularly. Make the environment safer and reduce the risk of misconduct.