Expanding the Network: Welcoming Our 32nd State — Oklahoma

The SAFE Bar Network is growing by leaps and bounds. We've added Oklahoma to our list of SAFE Bar Network states with venues trained in Woodward and Oklahoma City. Check out his spotlight of our work in Woodword from our friends at Woodward News.

Patriot Pub has become the first bar in Oklahoma to receive certification through the Safe Bar Network, a national nonprofit program that trains bar staff to recognize and respond to sexual harassment and assault.

The certification, announced this week, marks a milestone for both the state and the local community, said facilitator Brandy Giroux-Sallee. In addition to her role with the Safe Bar Network, Giroux-Sallee also works with the Domestic Crisis Center in Woodward. She said staff at Patriot Pub completed specialized training in active bystander skills, learning how to de-escalate risky situations, intervene appropriately and ensure that patrons feel respected and safe.

SAFE Bar Training Conversation

“This is a monumental achievement for our community and a significant step forward in fostering safer, more responsible environments throughout the state,” Giroux-Sallee said.

Josh Miller, owner of Patriot Pub, said he wanted to be proactive in creating a safe and welcoming atmosphere.

The 2-hour training included scenarios such as how to handle situations when a customer appears too intoxicated to drive, or when someone feels unsafe.

“Through our work, we focus on empowering individuals to use active bystander skills to reduce harm and ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable night out,” Giroux-Sallee added.

SAFE Bar Training Conversation

Charlynn Foster, manager at Patriot Pub said the certification reflects a broader effort to raise awareness about preventing violence in nightlife settings.

“Josh wanted to make it safe but no, there has not been any issues here at our establishment,” Fowler said.

Staff said they are trained to call a cab, assess risks or step in if they see troubling behavior.

What she took away from the event was, “If someone comes up and says they want to buy a girl in the back a drink, we will deliver the drink ourselves, and just to be aware of domestic crisis and if there’s any issues.”

Curious about us? Join us at a SAFE Night Out session where you’ll connect with others and learn the magic behind a safe night out. Trust us, it’s fun. Sign up here, tinyurl.com/safenightout

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

Like what we’re doing? Be connected and stay updated with the SAFE Bar Network - join our mailing list, www.safebarnetwork.org/signup 

Join the team. All you have to do is share about the SAFE Bar Network with venue leaders you know. Learn more at safebarnetwork.org/join and safebarnetwork.org/bettertookit 

You can even send their contact information our way, and we’ll do the sharing for you, Help Us Grow Our Good.

Sharing is caring. If you have two minutes, you can help us out by sharing our work on Instagram and LinkedIn.

Pass the hat. The SAFE Bar Network is a nonprofit 501(c)(3), and your tax-deductible donation goes directly to our work increasing safety at alcohol-serving venues, safebarnetwork.org/donatenow