A FIRST date is always a nervous experience.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
But the Orange Liquor Accord has backed a program helping patrons if that first meeting turns sour or even dangerous.
Wagga Wagga was the first liquor accord to back the Ask for Angela campaign in May with great success, according to Orange Liquor Accord chairman Bill Kelly.
Singles feeling trapped in uncomfortable situations can “ask For Angela” at the bar and staff will help them leave discreetly via taxi or even call the police if required.
“It’s mainly in relation to online dating and problems arising from it – they meet someone online and think to themselves, ‘I’m not happy with this situation’,” Mr Kelly said.
“It’s all about harm minimisation.”
He said the campaign was endorsed in principle in June, with another meeting on Tuesday to decide how it could be implemented in Orange.
A greater focus would be taken on later-trading venues.
- Orange Liquor Accord chairman Bill Kelly
“All the venues seem supportive of it, but we probably see it more as a late trading issue,” he said.
“That’s not saying it doesn’t occur at other venues, but a greater focus would be taken on later-trading venues,” he said.
Mr Kelly said participating venues would have signage showing patrons what to do if they felt at risk and staff would be trained to respond to requests for help.
The program also has backing from the NSW Police Force and the Australian Hotels Association (AHA).
More than a quarter of NSW’s unattached admitted to using digital dating platforms like Tinder and Grindr, according to an eHarmony study.
It originated in Lincolnshire in the UK about a year ago.
If you are in need of support, contact the Sexual Assault Helpline on 1800 811 811.