People who work at bars are some of the most perceptive. When someone doesn’t have the best intentions towards some of the other guests, they can definitely notice. They have the power to be everyday heroes and protect their customers from men with questionable intentions.
Laura Motta shared how a bartender kept her safe from a potentially dangerous guy at the bar. She got over 800k likes on her social media platform and was able to inspire others to do the same.
In bars, on the street, or elsewhere, people opened up about how they were protected. The most powerful stories have been collected. You can scroll down to read them. If you want to tell us about the times someone kept you safe or helped someone in need, you can do so in the comments.
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Laura is based in New York and works as an editorial director, content strategist, and lifestyle writer. The entire thread that followed showed how complicated and risky real life can be.
There are many dangerous people out there. There are people who go out of their way to help someone else. It is the best and the worst of humankind. Sometimes a friendly bartender can be the only thing that protects you from harm.
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Benjamin Smith, a bartender in Los Angeles, explained how he creates secret signals for customers to show they are in need of assistance. There is a sign ordering an angel shot.
When you order an angel shot at a bar that has them, the bar staff will do everything they can to protect you from unwanted attention and potentially dangerous customers.
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“The angel shot has saved and will continue to save lives,” bartender Ben told that it’s vital that people know ‘angel shots’ exist to help patrons.
He has had to help some clients as a bartender. “I have definitely had to Intervene in multiple situations where someone has felt uncomfortable. Most bars have security so they are helpful in assisting in these situations,” he said.
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A vital part of being a bartender is being able to read the room and people’s body language. The job is more than just taking orders.
“I think it’s key that bartenders are aware of their surroundings and pay attention to guest body language. I can easily tell if someone is uncomfortable or may need my help,” Ben explained, adding that he was glad that his video helped educate industry workers, as well as guests, about the ‘angel shots’ secret signal.
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In LA-based bartender Ben’s opinion, angel shots are something we should all know about. You need police assistance if you order an angel shot with lime.
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The neat variant means that you need someone to walk you to your car because you don’t feel safe alone. The bar staff should call you a taxi if they see the on-the-rocks version of the angel shot. The signals can vary from bar to bar and state to state. If you visit a bar frequently, it is advisable to have a frank chat with the staff.
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Anyone can be a victim of harassment. Some groups of people are more vulnerable than others.
According to Emily May, the Co-Founder and Executive Director of ‘Hollaback!’, an organization that aims to put an end to harassment in all of its forms, harassment can happen anywhere. It isn’t restricted to a single place. It can happen on the street, in a bar, or on social media.
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“At its core is a power dynamic that constantly reminds historically subordinated groups of our vulnerability to assault in public spaces. Street harassment can happen to anyone, but disproportionately punishes women, girls, LGBTQ+ people, and other marginalized groups for being themselves in the world,” the expert noted.
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A tight-knit community can help protect vulnerable members.
“One thing that can help you build a sense of safety is community. Take the time to get to know the good folks in your neighborhood and build positive relationships with not just your neighbors, but the people who deliver the mail, the trash folks, the guy that mows your neighbor’s lawn, etc.,” Emily explained.
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“The more people you know, the more people will have your back if something happens again. Knowing this can increase your sense of safety and belong in your community,” she said that having a network of people you can trust can help you feel safer.
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