NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A program designed to create safer spaces for patrons and educate bar staff about the role alcohol plays in sexual assault is gaining traction in Nashville. The Sexual Assault Center’s “Safe Bar” initiative, which began with just a handful of establishments, is rapidly expanding, with more bars joining the effort to raise awareness and promote safety.
One of the bars leading the charge is Barrel Proof in Germantown. Despite opening only a year ago, the bar has quickly become a popular weekend destination. As a participant in the Safe Bar program, Barrel Proof is committed to educating its staff on de-escalation techniques and signs of distress. According to Jason Sorbet, the managing partner of Barrel Proof, the bar takes numerous steps to ensure the safety of its customers.
“We focus on reading body language and cues to help identify when someone might be in danger,” Sorbet said. “We also have test strips for substances like ketamine and fentanyl in our bathrooms, and we carry Narcan for emergencies. If anyone feels unsafe, they can come up to the bar and speak to us.”
The Safe Bar program was launched by the Sexual Assault Center (SAC) to address the high correlation between alcohol and sexual assault. Statistics show that alcohol is involved in 50% of all sexual assaults in the United States, and the SAC is committed to raising awareness of this issue, particularly on Nashville’s Broadway, a well-known nightlife district.
Since the program’s inception, the number of bars participating has grown exponentially. In 2022, only two bars on Broadway were involved, but as of this year, the number has expanded to 29. Last year alone, the SAC trained 25 additional establishments, furthering their mission to create safer spaces for everyone.
Lorraine McGuire, Vice President of Community Relations at the SAC, explained that the initiative’s success in Broadway has prompted plans to expand to other areas. “We’ve focused a lot on Broadway in the past couple of years, but we hope to extend this program to Music Row and other popular areas where people gather,” McGuire said.
The program’s expansion is also supported by the launch of a new app. The SAC Safe Bar app allows users to search for participating bars by city, name, or ZIP code, making it easier for people to find safe places to enjoy a night out.
In addition to the physical tools and training, the program aims to provide a sense of security for those who may feel vulnerable in social settings. McGuire stressed the importance of preventing situations where individuals might unknowingly fall victim to drink spiking or other unsafe practices. “It’s a terrifying experience to have someone spike your drink and lose memory or consciousness, regardless of whether an assault occurs,” she said. “The goal is to reduce those risks and help keep people safe.”
With the growth of the Safe Bar program, the Sexual Assault Center hopes to continue its mission of promoting safety, awareness, and education, ensuring that a night out doesn’t turn into a tragic experience. The initiative’s success in Nashville could serve as a model for other cities looking to create similar programs and protect their communities.
