Is technology the key to creating a safer nightlife?

While the re-opening of nightlife across the UK has been welcomed across the country, it has been accompanied by an alarming increase in the number of reports of drink spiking. Since October, increased awareness and scrutiny has been placed on the issue, driven by protests and boycotts such as Big Night In, which has sparked a wider conversation on how to increase the safety of night-time venues. One example of a new safeguarding measure is the “Ask for Angela” feature, released by Zapaygo and the Night Time Industry Association (NTIA), which allows customers to inform hospitality staff of a threat through a digital app, allowing the implementation of safety protocol without individuals needing to speak to a member of staff directly. Catering Today spoke to Brian McClafferty, chief marketing officer at Zapaygo, about the new feature and the role technology can play in making hospitality venues safer. Safeguarding measures For McClafferty, the safeguarding feature was a logical next step, building upon the functions already in-built within the app. “Because we already have an app that provides messaging already between customers to the merchant, then we thought ‘why not introduce the ability to ask for Angela as well, or just raise awareness that you might be in trouble or might have a problem,” he says. The rise in drink-spiking cases in the news since hospitality reopened has led to boycotts, including the ‘Girls Night In’ protest, aimed at building awareness of the issue. Venues wishing to use this feature would receive the notification, like any other order, through the Zapaygo system, and implement their safety protocol without individuals needing to speak to a member of staff directly. This offers an additional way to access the ‘Ask for Angela’ initiative which may be beneficial to better support people wishing to receive support anonymously. McClafferty notes that “an exceptional amount of work has been done within the sector, which is focused on creating safer environments for people to socialise within, and build public confidence”. This initiative is one of many layers of safeguarding mechanisms which will prove to enhance communication between staff and customers if they are feeling vulnerable or concerned about their safety. Mike Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association, also comments on the commitment to tackling the issue: “The NTIA are constantly working to improve inclusion and safety in night time spaces. This initiative will enhance the communication channels between customers and staff when they are feeling vulnerable or compromised,” he says. “It is clear that the enhanced mitigations around searching, communication and training alongside safety mechanisms like this initiative will go a long way to building confidence in the sector, and the ability for people to enjoy a safe night out.” Technology While this is only one step along the road to ensuring safety in hospitality venues, it positions technology at the forefront of the solutions. McClafferty says that “the idea behind it is using technology to make it all a little bit simpler and easier. To help people get out of an awkward situation or a potentially dangerous situation” and believes technological innovations will continue to play a role. The protective layer of technology is key to creating an environment in which people can feel secure, and building back trust in the nighttime industry. McClafferty says “imagine somebody goes out on a date, if they know that the Zapaygo feature is being used in a venue, where they know that they can raise an alert if they had any concerns, I would feel a lot more comfortable going to somewhere I knew I could very easily get myself out of the situation”. He concludes: “Now that we are bringing more technology in, how can technology play a bigger part in generally making our eating out or dining or anything experience a better and safer situation? The big thing with technology is not looking to replace what's already out there, but it's just looking to improve and help create a safer environment. How can we work smarter and help people with technology that wasn't there before?”