Safe Bars

Training the Hospitality Industry to End Sexual Violence

Safe Bars uses innovative bystander intervention strategies to empower bar, restaurant, hotel, brewery, distillery, club, and other hospitality staff to stop sexual aggression and other forms of gender-based violence in their establishments.

Owners, managers, security personnel, and others are in a unique position to prevent sexual harassment and assault — and create safer, more welcoming spaces for staff and guests alike.

Safe Bars has trained the staff of more than 150 bars, restaurants, breweries, distilleries, event spaces, and clubs nationwide from places that have fewer than five employees to places with more than 500.

Safe Bars has trained teams in 30+ cities and towns around the U.S. and Canada to run Safe Bars programs where they live. Safe Bars has also trained the staff at breweries to have the in-house capacity to continue training others. All are supported by our Safe Bars network.

With online training, Safe Bars has trained staff at dozens more establishments around the country and the world in active bystander skills, empowerment and self-defense, and de-escalation.

WITH SAFE BARS…

Owners and managers build customer satisfaction and loyalty. A safe and welcoming environment allows guests to enjoy themselves and be more likely to return. And safe and respectful workplaces mean less staff turnover. Safe Bars is good for the bottom line.

Patrons enjoy their time out because more safety equals more fun — and more repeat guests.

Cities and towns change the culture of their nightlife scene to one of safety and respect, which is good for their reputation and good for the local economy.

And becoming a Safe Bar is the right thing to do. With Safe Bars, you show your community your commitment to providing a safe, welcoming, and respectful environment.

Local restaurant and bar owners and managers can request training for their establishments by emailing svpe@vt.edu.