Bar staff are being trained to support sexual assault victims in Liverpool's clubland.
Workers in pubs and clubs will have the skills to help and protect those subjected to unwanted attention under the scheme.
The guidance is part of efforts to make it clear "no means no" as the Christmas party season gets into full swing.
One in every four incidents of sexual violence in Liverpool takes place within the city centre.
Just last weekend a woman was dragged into bushes and raped on Great Homer Street in a shocking early-hours attack.
The man responsible is thought to have followed her from Lime Street.
While the city's nightlife is credited as one of the safest in the UK, the authorities are keen to make clear sexual offences will not be tolerated in Liverpool.
As a result, Liverpool Council is offering training to workers within the region's nightlife in the hope of developing a network of people who can spot suspicious behaviour and know how to respond when a complaint is made.
More than 150 staff have received the training so far, while 2,000 posters are set to be placed in Merseyside's nightspots as part of a major awareness campaign.
Superintendent Diane Pownall, of Merseyside Police, said: “Sexual assault and unwanted sexual contact is a crime.
"Together we are committed to raising awareness across Liverpool city centre and spreading the message that these crimes will not be tolerated and could lead to a prison sentence for the offender."
“As the festive season commences, we want to ensure that everybody can enjoy a night out in the city centre without unwanted attention. This is a great city and we want to ensure a safe night out for everyone.”
Those behind the campaign, including support organisations Safe Place Merseyside, Rape and Sexual Abuse (RASA) Centre and Red Umbrella, hope to make people understand that, as well as sexual violence, no-one should feel they have to put up with unwanted contact.
The training programme, which is free for staff to participate in, will advise clubland workers - from bar workers to door staff - how to deal with complaints of unwanted touching, both in terms of supporting the victim and dealing with whoever is responsible.
Councillor Liz Parsons, of Liverpool Council, said: “This is much more than a publicity campaign. It is about making sure people know that unwanted sexual contact is a crime, and that any allegation will be taken seriously.
“Working with our partners we are also including training for bar staff in the city centre in how to prevent assaults and support victims.
"We want to change the culture to make sure unwanted sexual contact is never tolerated or excused in Liverpool, so that people know that no does mean no.”
*For more information around consent, dispelling the myths around rape and what to do if you have been a victim, visit www.know-org.co.uk. You can also contact Merseyside Police via 101 or, in an emergency, always call 999.
