With 15 per cent of Australia’s population – almost 3.5 million people – using dating app Tinder, Albury Liquor Accord are stepping up to ensure people on dates are safe.

Following in Wagga’s footsteps, Albury will roll out “Ask for Angela” around November in a violence and sexual assault prevention initiative.

Under the scheme, someone in need of assistance can approach the bar, ask for Angela and staff will know they feel uncomfortable and help them leave safely.

Albury Liquor Accord president Stephen Jones said with more people dating using apps like Tinder, Grindr or Bumble, it was important publicans helped those in a bad first encounter with a stranger. 

“They meet someone new and don’t necessarily feel comfortable or have an easy, safe, way out,” he said

The safety initiative was named after a young doctor Angela Hay, who was repeatedly stabbed and doused in petrol by her Tinder stalker on the state’s Central Coast last November. 

After weeks of harassment and violent threats, he went to her home and exploded in a frenzy of rage that ended with Ms Hay fighting for her life in hospital.

Mr Jones said the scheme was a preemptive move in Albury and the accord was not aware of any local “horror” tinder dates.

He said it was important women and men felt safe in Albury venues.

“I don’t have figures on the situation but I’m sure it comes up from time to time in Albury,” Mr Jones said.

“It’s about safety, the Liquor Accord is about responsible socialising – a lot of dates end up at hotels or bars socialising and we want people to feel safe.

“This is an avenue for people, particularly ladies, to feel they have a safe way out of a situation.”

Mr Jones said the scheme would be introduced across accord members and be available at major Albury pubs, clubs and bars from November.

“If someone uses the code, staff will assist and it would be as simple as calling a cab or assisting them safely away,” he said.

Public House part-owner and manager Jodie Tiernan said she’d welcome the initiative in the Border. 

She said her staff were already very focused on creating an approachable and safe environment.

Australian Hotels Association NSW liquor and policing director John Green said the initiative was first introduced in NSW at Wagga in March.

“Licensees and police in Wagga have reported strong positive feedback,” Mr Green said.

“Patrons see this as a positive initiative which raises awareness of the social dating scene and the important issue of violence against women.”

If you are in need of support, call the Sexual Assault Helpline on 1800 811 811.