7 Tips for a SAFE Night Out

Spring is in the air. Across the U.S., the days are getting longer, the weather’s getting warmer, and we’re finally shaking off winter’s grip. It’s celebration season—BBQs, festivals, rooftop hangs, patio drinks, and nights out with friends are back.

As you head into the fun, here are seven simple tips to help make sure everyone has a safe, enjoyable night out.

1. Know the facts.

When people hear “date rape drugs,” they often think of something slipped into a drink—but the most common substance used to make someone vulnerable is actually alcohol.

It’s legal, inexpensive, socially accepted—and when overused, it lowers inhibitions, impairs judgment, and makes it easier for someone to be hurt or taken advantage of.

Let’s be clear: alcohol doesn’t excuse bad behavior, and it’s not responsible for it. But people do use it as a tool to hurt others.

If you're thinking, "That doesn't happen at my backyard BBQ" or "not at my favorite bar," you might be missing a chance to look out for the people around you.

2. Notice concerning behavior.

Most of the time, harm doesn’t come from strangers—it comes from someone the person knows.

We all have gut feelings about people, but it’s more important to focus on observable behavior and body language than assumptions.

Believe someone if they share a concern or ask for help. If something feels off, it probably is.

3. Practice active bystander skills.

At SAFE Bar Network, we talk about three key skills that anyone can use:

Notice.

You don’t need to be an expert to recognize when something’s off. Trust your instincts—if someone looks uncomfortable, check in.

Take Action.

Forget the superhero cape—intervening doesn’t have to be dramatic to be effective. There are many ways to step in:

Do something yourself. Ask the person causing the issue to chill out. Or check in with the person who seems uncomfortable.
Get others involved. Ask your outgoing friend to help. Let a bartender or staff member know. Make it a team effort.
Create a distraction. Start a random conversation, ask for directions—anything to shift the moment.

Give support. Get support.

Sometimes stepping in feels good. Other times it’s messy. Either way, talk about it with someone you trust. And when the time comes, be that support for someone else.

4. Only offer drinks people actually want.

This one seems obvious—but it’s often overlooked. Don’t pressure anyone into drinking.

We hear it all the time: someone doesn’t want a shot, but when a tray lands on the table, they take one anyway. That social pressure is real.

So: if you’re buying drinks, ask first. Respect someone’s “no.” And if you see a drink being pushed on someone who clearly doesn’t want it, speak up or help redirect the situation.

5. Find their friends.

If someone’s had too much to drink, the best thing to do is help them reconnect with their people. Bartenders and servers tell us this in nearly every training.

Find the friends they came with. Text their roommate. Get them back to someone they know and trust.

6. Talk about it.

Whether you’re working the door, bartending, or out with friends—if you see something that doesn’t sit right, say something.

Tell the staff. Check in with your crew. The truth is, most people want to create a safe, fun space. And change happens faster when we talk openly and work together.

7. The host is your friend.

Whether it’s a dinner party, dive bar, music venue, or neighborhood hang—hosts set the tone.

If you’re hosting, let people know you want them to have fun and feel safe. That could mean:

Greet guests with warmth and presence.
Put up signs in restrooms offering help if someone feels unsafe.
Train your staff to check in when they see something concerning.
Be ready to act if someone looks uncomfortable.

A Safe Night Out Starts With Us All

Creating a culture where everyone feels safe and respected isn’t about rules—it’s about how we show up for each other.

Cheers to sunshine, good friends, and looking out for one another.Cheers to everyday active bystanders.

Learn more. You can find out more about the SAFE Bar Network at safebarnetwork.org

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