Why Connection Is Our Secret Ingredient

At the SAFE Bar Network, we believe that the heart of hospitality isn't the music or the drinks, it’s the culture of the venue. That's why our mission is to provide high-quality and engaging training to alcohol-serving venues with the goal of giving everyone a safe night out.

But we don’t do this in a vacuum. To team up with venue teams and shift the culture of hospitality, we rely on our core values: Trust, Respect, Accountability, Connection, and Support.

More Than a Lecture: A Conversation

We know that "mandatory training" can sometimes feel like a chore. That’s why we ditch the dry slideshows for interactive, discussion-based sessions. We aren't here to lecture; we’re here to facilitate a shift in perspective.

Our facilitators are experts at "reading the room" and creating a space where staff feel eager to share issues that have come up and their best solutions.

"I feel the facilitator made everyone feel very comfortable with the subject... It was the most open discussion I have been a part of regarding preventing overconsumption and harassment."

"The facilitator was wonderful. She was serious and direct about the topic, while being fun and energetic with our staff... she was knowledgeable, approachable, and very good at reading the room to make sure breakout conversations stayed on track!"

Tools for the "Day-to-Day"

Theory is fine, but hospitality moves fast. Our training is designed to provide a "tool belt" of methods for intervening when someone is uncomfortable or unsafe. Whether it's a subtle interruption or a direct intervention, we empower teams to act in ways that are effective and authentic to their environment.

"The training addressed many issues that come up in our day to day and provided us with a tool belt of various methods for intervening when we see something that might not be OK. Specifically, the interruption portion gave me a better grasp of how to interject into potentially hazardous situations in a way that isn't horribly intrusive."

"The training guided our staff into some great conversations and provided really valuable ideas on how to think about and handle active bystander situations. The discussion style training was very effective in getting on the same page regarding how to respond to different situations.

What Our Partners Are Saying

We are constantly seeking feedback because we are committed to bringing the highest quality training to venue teams.

The most rewarding feedback we receive is that our training doesn't just leave individuals with skills they can use, it also increases communication and connection for the whole team. By navigating "awkward silences" and sharing new perspectives, employees working in different roles in the venue find common ground.

"The whole discussion was terrific and engaging, making it feel like a conversation between everyone rather than a lecture; it effectively got rid of any tension and put the team at ease talking about difficult topics, which helped employees from multiple different teams hear new perspectives and brought us all closer together."

At the end of the day, our curriculum is shaped by the very people we serve. We don’t walk into a venue to teach, we walk in to listen. By valuing every piece of feedback—from the "lived-in" silences to the breakthrough realizations—we ensure our training remains the gold standard for the hospitality industry. We are constantly evolving because your safety and your team’s connection are worth the effort.

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 

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, safebarnetwork.org/sessions

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