Going out with friends or colleagues for a drink seems like the perfect way to unwind after a long day of work. But what happens when you get harassed or feel unsafe at the bar?
Unfortunately, this is happening to women all over the world. To combat this some bars and restaurants are now using what’s called an “Angel Shot.”
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What’s an Angel Shot?
An Angel Shop is a safe word drink that means HELP ME without screaming, HELP ME. It’s a secret code that allows women patrons to communicate discreetly about uncomfortable experiences they may be having while inside the establishment.
This code word can make women feel safe knowing there is something in place to protect their wellbeing if things get out of hand.
How Does an Angel Shot Work?
When you get to participating establishments that offer “Angel Shots” go up to any employee behind the counter and say you want an “Angel Shot.”
Depending on where you are or what type of establishment (bar, pub, nightclub etc.) different signals will trigger different types of help discreetly so as not to draw attention:
Angel Shot Neat or Straight Up – someone will walk with you until you get to your car so others can’t approach you when you’re alone.
Angel Shot on Ice or On the Rocks – staff will call ridesharing services and make sure they don’t let intoxicated drivers get behind the wheel themselves.
Angel Shot with Lime/Twist/Lemon – staff will alert security guards or police.
How to order an Angel Shot
If you’re at a bar or restaurant that offers Angel Shots, ordering is easy:
- Go up to any bar employee and ask for an Angel Shot.
- Depending on what type of help you need here are three different signals you can use:
- ‘Neat’ means you want someone to walk with you until you get to your car
- ‘With ice’ means staff will call a ridesharing service when you confirm.
- ‘With Lime’ means police should be called right away!
Establishments may vary slightly on how Angel Shots work – by using the same simple cues across all participating bars and restaurants you’ll get the right kind of help from the staff if needed.
Why do we need Angel Shots?
Women should be able to go out without having to fear harassment or intimidation. According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, 81% of women and 43% of men in the US have experienced some form of sexual harassment or assault in their lifetime. A lot of these happen in bars and nightclubs.
The truth is this isn’t limited to one part of the world; it’s a global issue. That’s why Angel Shots are so important – they provide a way for women to communicate distress beyond just screaming or calling for help.
Also note that Angel Shots aren’t just for women, men should use this code too if needed.
Other ways to be safe in bars
Even with participating bars having staff trained to respond when patrons signal, general safety tips can still come in handy:
- Bring a buddy – Going out with friends always keeps things fun and safety-wise.
- Watch your drink – Don’t accept drinks from people you don’t know; watch while your drink is being prepared or refilled instead of turning away.
- Trust your instincts – Leaving a bar or losing your friend can mean signaling wait staff, police or even security to help you out.
- Stay sober – you want to be in control and aware while you’re out for the night.
- Know your options – While more and more establishments are signing up for the Angel Shot network worldwide, this system may not be available in all areas; plan ahead so you’re not caught off guard.
How to order an Angel Shot in a bar or restaurant
The Angel Shot, a secret “safe word” drink order used by people to signal for help at bars, is getting more popular thanks to social media. But some bartenders and advocates are worried that the publicity will defeat the purpose of the secret drink order.
Michelle Charlotte, a bartender with a big social media following, thinks the widespread awareness will kill the secrecy of the Angel Shot. She says the whole point of the Angel Shot is to ask for help discreetly and if too many people know about it, it will defeat the purpose.
Here’s an example from Demi Lovato, who has publicly spoken about using safety words in bars.
So, you may want to create your own safe word. Either way, two things need to be done to implement the Angel Shot or another safe phrase system in a bar or restaurant.
Firstly, customers need to be aware of the phrase which can be done by putting up signs in the restroom(s). Secondly staff need to be educated on what to do if the phrase is used. It’s suggested to have separate phrases for men’s and women’s restrooms to maintain privacy.
Bottom line
In summary, an Angel Shot is a safe word to use in bars, nightclubs etc. It allows people to discreetly signal that there might be distress happening without having to raise the alarm. Some establishments may have their own safe words which you can find in the bathrooms.
Even if we hope they won’t need to in the future, everyone should feel safe in bars and nightclubs with these measures in place without being hassled.
