Big Launch in Georgia With The Help of Our Friends

In August 2024, the SAFE Bar Network launched in Atlanta and Athens, Georgia, thanks to an incredible partnership with Brown-Forman. To kick things off, we hosted two SAFE Night Out sessions—one in Atlanta and one in Athens—bringing local bar and restaurant teams together for conversations about building safer, more welcoming nightlife spaces.

Brown-Forman went above and beyond, not only supporting the launch but also showing our team around and introducing us to venue leaders eager to train their teams in active bystander skills. These leaders are now helping to create bar cultures where safety, respect, and support are at the center of every night out.

Impact at a Glance

During our August launch: We trained 4 venues and 94 people in Athens and Atlanta

In the weeks that followed: We trained 8 more venues and 71 employees.

To date, with continued support from Brown-Forman: We’ve trained 19 venues and 257 employees in Georgia on how to prevent overconsumption, harassment, and other forms of harm.

Even better? 100% of venue leaders reported that the SAFE Bar Training met or exceeded their expectations—and they said they’d refer other venues to us for training and ongoing support.

What Participants Are Saying

“Great dialog for peacefully defusing situations.”

“One thing I will do to be proactive in creating a safe environment is better monitor energy around the establishment throughout the night.”

“Thank you so much for the pointers and for coming up with more ideas to feel safer at work & make others feel safer at my workplace.”

“One thing I will do to give everyone a safe night out is make sure that I am helping them drink responsibly.” 

We’re grateful to our friends at Brown-Forman and all the venue leaders in Atlanta and Athens who are working to make their communities safer, one shift at a time.

Here’s to many more safe nights out—cheers, Georgia!

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, tinyurl.com/safenightout

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