Four North Herts venues have been formally recognised for their commitment to making nights out safer for women and girls.

At an awards ceremony on Friday 15 August, hosted at The Kite at The Red Hart in Hitchin, pubs and bars received framed certificates after signing up to the district's new Women and Girls Safety Charter.

The scheme, run by North Herts Council's Community Safety team, is part of a wider strategy to tackle male violence against women and girls and aims to create safer, more inclusive spaces for people to enjoy the night-time economy.

Among the first venues to gain accreditation were:

• The Angel Vaults Inn (Wetherspoons), Hitchin
• The Arena Tavern, Letchworth
• The Kite at The Red Hart, Hitchin
• The Three Moorhens, Hitchin

To qualify, venues must train staff to spot signs of predatory behaviour, provide drink-spiking test kits, display safety information, and take part in the Ask for Angela scheme. Accredited premises display a sticker and certificate showing they have met the Charter's standards.

Hertfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathan Ash-Edwards, who presented the awards, said: "The charter plays a really important role in improving safety for women and girls in licensed premises and in the night-time economy across the district. It's vital that when people come for a night out in a place like Hitchin, it's a great experience and that inappropriate or predatory behaviours are dealt with promptly and effectively."

Jo Doggett, Director – Regulatory at North Herts Council, added: "We've had a really strong response to the scheme so far and we'd like to thank the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for their support, as well as the venues that have already signed up. This initiative will make a real difference to women's safety and help everyone feel more comfortable when they go out in the evening."

The Women and Girls Safety Charter was first launched in Hitchin and will expand across the rest of North Herts in 2025. A new training video, filmed in local pubs including the Arena Tavern and Angel Vaults Inn, highlights how venues are putting the initiative into action.