Party smart, party safe 🎉

The Party Smart, Party Safe campaign, launched by the Union of Brunel Students is designed to promote a safe, enjoyable and supportive experience at Locos Bar and The Venue. This initiative highlights our continued commitment to student welfare and responsible parting within our venues.

Your Safety at our venues

We are committed to creating a safe and welcoming environment for all our guests. Here are the safety measures in place at the Venue and across our spaces:

• CCTV coverage throughout the Venue to monitor activity and support incident response
• Searches on entry to ensure a safe and secure space for everyone
• On-site security present throughout the entire night
• Trained First Aiders available at all times
• Free water available from the bar to help you stay hydrated
• Dedicated Welfare Officer available for support if you're feeling unwell or need someone to talk to
• Zero Tolerance Drug Policy to maintain a safe and respectful environment
• Spiking prevention measures, including cup covers available on request and staff trained to respond to concerns quickly

Ask for Angela

Our Venue is proud to support the national ‘Ask for Angela’ scheme, which helps anyone who feels unsafe, uncomfortable, or vulnerable while on a night out. If you ever find yourself in a situation where you need help, simply approach a member of our team and ask for “Angela.” This discreet codeword will alert staff that you need assistance. All our staff are fully trained in how to respond quickly and appropriately, ensuring your safety and wellbeing is our top priority.

Ask for clive

We are proud to be part of the national ‘Ask for Clive’ campaign, promoting inclusive and safe spaces for the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. By displaying the ‘Ask for Clive’ sticker, we show our commitment to standing against discrimination of any kind. All Venue staff are trained to support this initiative, and anyone experiencing or witnessing abuse, discrimination, or inappropriate behaviour can speak to our team with confidence that it will be taken seriously and addressed appropriately.

Spiking awareness

Your safety is our priority. We take drink spiking seriously and have measures in place to help protect you. Cup covers are available free of charge at the bar, just ask a member of staff. If you ever feel disorientated, unusually unwell, or suspect your drink has been tampered with, please alert a member of our security team in high-vis or speak to a Locos & Venue staff member immediately. We’re here to support you and will act quickly to ensure your safety and wellbeing.

Responsible Drinking

We want everyone to enjoy their night safely and make it home feeling good. Here are a few tips to help you drink responsibly:

• Know your limits – everyone handles alcohol differently, so pace yourself and check in with how you're feeling.
• Eat before you drink – it helps slow alcohol absorption and keeps you feeling better for longer.
• Drink water regularly – free water is always available at the bar. Alternating alcoholic drinks with water or soft drinks can make a big difference.
• Keep an eye on your drink – never leave it unattended or accept drinks from someone you don’t know or trust.
• Look out for your mates – if someone’s had too much, help them get water, take a break, or find staff if they need support.
• Don’t feel pressured to drink – you can have a great night without alcohol, and soft drinks are always available.

Let’s work together to keep the Venue fun, friendly, and safe for everyone.

Getting home safely

Your safety is important to us, both inside the Venue and on your way home.

• If you feel unsafe, unwell, or find yourself alone, please speak to a member of Security, the Care Crew, or Venue management. We’re here to help and can assist you in getting back to your accommodation safely.
• Try to walk home with friends or in a group where possible.
• If walking alone, stick to well-lit, busy areas and avoid shortcuts through isolated spaces. Walk facing oncoming traffic so vehicles can’t approach from behind.
• If your phone has died and you live off-campus, you can use the 24/7 cab phone machine located just outside the Venue. It allows you to make a free call to the cab company so you can get home safely.
• You can call Nightline or use services like Strut Safe for support while heading home.
• Consider carrying a personal safety alarm for extra reassurance.

If you ever feel like you’re being followed, head towards the nearest busy or well-lit area such as shops, takeaways, or open venues, or knock on a door for help. Call the police as soon as it’s safe to do so.

If you are attacked, shout "fire" to draw attention, research shows people are more likely to respond to that than to "help." Get to a safe place and contact the police immediately.

Union Report and Support

We as the Union have our own Report & Support system where you can report incidents of any nature that happen within our premises, which you can choose to report anonymously or with contact details to be kept up to date with the report.

University Report and Support

The University have their own Report & Support system where you can report incidents of harassment and bullying on campus, which you can choose to report anonymously or with contact details to be kept up to date with the report.

https://reportandsupport.brunel.ac.uk/

Helplines

Nightline (Student support and advice, often local university-specific)
Check your university’s own Nightline number or website for contact details.

Samaritans (24/7 emotional support)
Phone: 116 123
Website: www.samaritans.org

StrutSafe (Safe journey support service)
Website & app: www.strutsafe.com

Drinkline (Confidential advice about alcohol)
Phone: 0300 123 1110
Website: www.alcoholchange.org.uk

Victim Support (Support for anyone affected by crime)
Phone: 08 08 16 89 111
Website: www.victimsupport.org.uk