We have all been set up on digital blind dates through various mediums like Tinder, eHarmony, etc. The thing that these dates do not provide, though, is the ability to vouch for ones character. Often times dates are harmless or even lead to true love. But there are times when people, especially women, feel threatened or unsafe and need a safe way to get out of a date. Enter: the Angel Shot.
At the Iberian Restaurant in St. Petersburg, FL, they have created a nifty way to ask for help with out alerting the person you’re with. In the women’s bathroom at that restaurant, there is a sign on the wall giving women the secret code to get home safely. On the sign it reads: “Is your Tinder date not who they said they were on their profile? Do you feel unsafe or even just a tad bit weird?” If you answer “yes” to any of those questions, you are instructed to order an “Angel Shot” from the bar.
So what is in an angel shot? Nothing but compassion and security. There isn’t actually a shot to take. It’s a clever way to let the staff know that you are feeling unsafe. Add to that, there are specific ways to order the Angel shot, and each has it’s own meaning. For instance if you order an angel shot neat, a bartender will escort you to your car. If you order it with ice, the bartender will call an Uber or a Taxi. Order it with lime and the restaurant staff will call the police.
As you are probably aware, we at DMNW are strong supporters of any harm reduction techniques that help our fellow humans. We would love for this trend to catch on in the Northwest. If you have a favorite watering hole or attend a regular bar for first dates, we encourage you to share this idea with the managers or owners. But it shouldn’t be exactly copied. There still needs to be that sense of security of not having the other person involved know what you are up too. As Louis CK said “men are the number one threat to women“.
So get creative and think of another name for your Angel Shot. And talk to your local watering holes about instigating this harm reduction measure.
Important things happen in Pacific Northwest nightlife, and DMNW will send you alerts!
