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What is an Angel Shot?

Angel Shot is a term that has been making rounds in the bar industry for a while now.

It is a code word that bar patrons can use to discreetly signal to bartenders that they need help. The term has gained popularity in recent years due to its effectiveness in ensuring the safety of bar-goers.

The idea behind Angel Shot is simple – when a patron orders an Angel Shot, it is a sign to the bartender that they need assistance. It is a non-verbal way to let the bartender know that something is wrong and that they need help.

The bartender can then take the appropriate action to ensure the safety of the patron. This could include calling a taxi, calling the police, or simply keeping an eye on the patron until they feel safe.

The use of Angel Shot has been praised by many in the bar industry for its effectiveness in keeping patrons safe. It is a simple and discreet way for patrons to signal for help when they need it. By using this code word, patrons can avoid potentially dangerous situations and feel more secure when they go out.

Understanding an Angel Shot

An angel shot is not an alcoholic drink, but a code word used to signal to a bartender that a customer needs help.

The code word can be used by anyone who feels uncomfortable, threatened, or unsafe in a bar or restaurant. The idea behind the angel shot is to provide a discreet and effective way for customers to ask for help without drawing attention to themselves.

When a customer orders an angel shot, it informs the bartender that the person is in a concerning situation and needs assistance. The bartender can then take appropriate action to ensure the customer’s safety.

The severity of the situation and the type of intervention required can be communicated through the way the customer orders the angel shot. For example, ordering the shot “neat” may indicate that the customer needs immediate help while ordering it “with lime” may indicate that the customer needs a discreet way to leave the establishment.

The concept of the angel shot was born from the “Ask for Angela” initiative, which was started in the UK in 2016 to help prevent sexual assault and harassment. The initiative encouraged customers to ask for “Angela” at the bar if they felt unsafe or uncomfortable.

The bartender would then discreetly help the customer by calling a taxi or contacting the police if necessary. The idea quickly spread to other countries and evolved into the angel shot concept.

The angel shot is not a foolproof solution to the problem of sexual assault and harassment, but it is a step in the right direction. Providing a discreet and effective way for customers to ask for help, it can help prevent dangerous situations from escalating.

It is important to note that the angel shot is not a substitute for taking proactive measures to prevent sexual assault and harassment, such as educating staff and customers, implementing policies and procedures, and creating a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.

Origins of the Angel Shot

The Angel Shot is a safety technique that has gained popularity in recent years, particularly in bars and nightclubs.

According to Parade, the trend began at a bar in Florida called the Iberian Rooster back in 2016. A message was posted in the women’s bathroom informing patrons to order an Angel Shot if they felt unsafe or uncomfortable. The message was meant to empower women to take action if they were in a concerning situation.

The idea behind the Angel Shot is simple: it is a discreet way for customers to signal for help without drawing attention to themselves. When a customer orders an Angel Shot, it is a signal to the bartender that they need assistance. The way the customer orders the shot (neat, on ice, or with lime) reveals the severity of the situation and the type of intervention required.

The Angel Shot is not just for women. It is a safety technique that can be used by anyone who feels uncomfortable or unsafe in a bar or nightclub. As Webstaurantstore explains, the Angel Shot can be ordered by anyone who needs help, regardless of their gender or sexual orientation.

Since its inception, the Angel Shot has gained popularity and has been adopted by many bars and nightclubs across the United States and beyond. It is a simple yet effective way to help customers who are in distress and to make bars and nightclubs safer for everyone.

How an Angel Shot Works

An angel shot is a discreet way for bar patrons to signal to bartenders that they are in an uncomfortable or potentially dangerous situation. When a customer orders an angel shot, it sends a signal to the bartender that they need help without drawing attention to themselves.

The way a customer orders an angel shot can indicate the severity of the situation and the type of intervention required. For example, ordering the shot “neat” may indicate a more urgent need for assistance, while ordering it “on ice” may indicate a less pressing situation.

Bartenders who receive an angel shot request will typically respond by discreetly assessing the situation and taking appropriate action. This may include calling a taxi, contacting the police, or simply keeping an eye on the customer until they feel safe.

It’s important to note that not all bars and restaurants offer angel shots, and those that do may have slightly different protocols for how they are handled. However, the basic idea is to provide a safe and discreet way for customers to get help when they need it.

Variations of an Angel Shot

An angel shot is a code used to signal a bartender that a customer needs help in a concerning situation.

There are three variations of the angel shot, each with its own meaning and level of urgency.

Neat

Ordering an angel shot neat means that the customer needs someone to escort them to their car or to a taxi. The bartender will discreetly call a ride for the customer or arrange for a safe escort to their transportation.

On the Rocks

Ordering an angel shot on the rocks indicates that the customer needs someone to call them a ride or to contact a friend or family member to pick them up. The bartender will make the necessary arrangements while keeping the customer safe and comfortable.

With Lime

Ordering an angel shot with lime is a signal that the customer is in an uncomfortable or unsafe situation and needs immediate help. The bartender will call the police or take other appropriate measures to ensure the customer’s safety.

It is important to note that the angel shot system is not a substitute for emergency services. If someone is in immediate danger or needs medical attention, they should call 911 or the emergency services number in their area.

The angel shot system is designed to provide a discreet way for customers to seek help in uncomfortable or potentially dangerous situations.

Please drink responsibly, be fully accountable with your alcohol consumption, and show others respect.

Written by Paul Kushner

I have always had a deep interest in the restaurant and bar industry. My restaurant experience began in 1997 at the age of 14 as a bus boy. By the time I turned 17 I was serving tables, and by 19 I was bartending/bar managing 6-7 nights a week.

In 2012, after a decade and a half of learning all facets of the industry, I opened my first restaurant/bar. In 2015, a second location followed, the latter being featured on The Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.

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