Staying Safe Initiatives

One of the key elements underpinning Purple Flag is promoting a safe evening and night-time economy. Cambridge Licensing and Police authorities (along with CAMBAC and Pubwatch) have been working closely with all venues to help them ensure they are safe and compliant. 

Some of the safety initiatives highlighted in Cambridge through the Purple Flag process include:

Taxi Marshals -
Providing professionally trained licensed Taxi Marshals on key dates throughout the year (payday weekends at the end of each month; bank holidays; Christmas and New Year). Taxi Marshals help ensure people get home swiftly and safely after enjoying a night out in Cambridge.  Operating from the central St Andrew’s Street Taxi Rank, the Marshals manage the busy night-time queues, providing priority to anyone in distress or vulnerable whilst assisting the wider City requirements of dispersal.  

Open Space Guardians -

Our dedicated, professionally trained Open Space Guardians are on duty during peak times throughout the year, including weekends, bank holidays, and major events. Positioned in Cambridge’s key open spaces, the Guardians help create a safe, welcoming environment for all by monitoring activity, assisting with crowd management, and supporting those in need. Whether it’s offering directions, providing first aid support, or prioritizing assistance for vulnerable individuals, our Guardians ensure that Cambridge's open spaces are enjoyed responsibly and respectfully by everyone.

Street Pastors -
Working primarily on Saturday nights the street pastors are trained volunteers from local churches. Their aim is to care for, listen to, and help people who are out on the streets after a night out in the city. They also have a physical location on Saturday nights called NightLite (based in Downing Place URC) which provides a safe space for people to rest, recover or wait for friends or a taxi.

Ask for Angela -
A nationally recognised scheme that has been adopted in many venues in Cambridge, facilitated by Cambridge Business Against Crime (CAMBAC). The scheme arose in response to an increase in online dating with people meeting strangers in venues and supporting people who may feel uneasy when meeting someone for the first time. Individuals can approach bar staff, ‘ask for Angela’ and in doing so discreetly alert them to the fact that they feel vulnerable so staff can take appropriate action.