If you are planning to enjoy the famous nightlife of Ibiza, there is one initiative you should know about before heading to the island’s famous clubs and bars: Ask for Angela. This discreet safety protocol is now active in Ibiza and is designed to protect visitors who find themselves in uncomfortable or potentially dangerous situations during a night out.
With its world-renowned parties, iconic venues and international crowd, Ibiza is a dream destination for many. But even in paradise, safety matters. That is why the Ask for Angela initiative has been introduced in several local nightclubs, bars and restaurants across Ibiza, helping to ensure a safer environment for everyone, especially tourists who may not know how to seek help in an unfamiliar place.
What is Ask for Angela?
Ask for Angela is a discreet code phrase that anyone can use to signal to bar staff or venue personnel that they need help. If you are on a date that is not going well, if someone is making you feel uncomfortable or if you simply feel unsafe for any reason, you can go to the bar and ask for Angela. This alerts trained staff that you require assistance, without drawing attention to yourself or escalating the situation.
The staff will then follow a pre-established protocol, which may include taking you to a safe location, calling a taxi, contacting a friend or relative, or, if necessary, notifying the authorities.
The phrase works like a secret password, making it easier for people to ask for help even when it is difficult to say it out loud.
Ask for Angela in Ibiza
The Ask for Angela protocol has recently been launched in Ibiza, particularly in the municipality of Sant Josep de sa Talaia, home to some of the most famous nightlife venues on the island. The initiative is the result of a joint effort between the Sant Josep Town Council and the Ibiza Nightlife Association, with the goal of ensuring the safety and well-being of both locals and visitors.
Some venues in Ibiza like Pacha, Lío Ibiza and Chinois Ibiza have already adopted the Ask for Angela protocol. These establishments have committed to training their staff at the beginning of each season, so that every team member is prepared to respond quickly and effectively to a request for help.
In addition to implementing the Ask for Angela system, venues are also placing informative posters in toilets and other discreet areas. These posters explain how the protocol works and encourage anyone feeling unsafe to approach the staff and use the code phrase.
Where did Ask for Angela come from?
The Ask for Angela initiative originated in Lincolnshire, England, in 2016. It was launched by the local county council as part of a wider campaign to reduce violence against women and create safer public spaces.
The name ‘Angela’ was chosen as a tribute to Angela Crompton, a woman who had been a victim of gender-based violence. Since then, the initiative has gained international recognition and has been adopted in cities and tourist destinations around the world, including Ibiza.
What happens when you Ask for Angela?
When someone asks for Angela, the staff know exactly what to do. Their first priority is to remove the person from the situation without drawing attention. This might mean:
- Escorting you to a private area where you feel safe.
- Helping you leave the premises without the person who is bothering you noticing.
- Calling a taxi or a friend to collect you.
- Alerting security or, in more serious cases, the police.
The idea is to provide support in a non-confrontational and confidential way, minimising risk and preventing harm.
Purple points and awareness campaigns
The Ask for Angela protocol is part of a broader set of actions being implemented across Ibiza to create safer nightlife spaces. One of these actions includes the setting up of ‘Puntos Violeta‘ or Purple Points, which are information booths or designated areas in events where staff and volunteers can assist people in situations of gender-based violence or harassment.
These Purple Points are especially active during major events such as the season openings, when thousands of partygoers flock to Ibiza to experience the beginning of the clubbing season. Tourists can look for these stands to find information, help or simply a safe space.
Why this matters for tourists
As a visitor, you might not know how to navigate an uncomfortable situation in a foreign country. Language barriers, cultural differences or simply not knowing who to turn to can make it difficult to ask for help. Ask for Angela offers a simple, effective and confidential solution that works regardless of the language you speak.
Tourism is one of Ibiza’s main industries, and the local authorities want to ensure that every guest feels safe and respected while enjoying everything the island has to offer. Whether you are travelling alone, with friends or as a couple, knowing that this protocol is in place can give you peace of mind.
How to recognise participating venues
Participating venues display Ask for Angela stickers or posters in visible areas, usually in the restrooms or near the bar. If you see one, it means the staff is trained and ready to help you. If you do not see any visible signage, you can still try asking, many establishments have quietly joined the initiative and are familiar with the protocol.
Before heading out, you can also check with your hotel or accommodation provider to see which clubs and bars near you are part of the programme.
Ibiza: safe, welcoming and fun
Ibiza has long been a place where people come to enjoy music, freedom and connection. By supporting initiatives like Ask for Angela, the island is making sure that fun and freedom never come at the cost of safety.
So, if you are going out to experience Ibiza’s famous nightlife, remember: you can always ask for Angela.
Make sure you keep your phone charged, share your plans with a friend, and trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, it probably is. And now, thanks to Ask for Angela, you have a way to act on it, safely and discreetly.
