May 14, 2025
Discover how angel shot protocols protect restaurant guests. Learn the codes, signage & training needed to create safer spaces & reduce liability in 2025.
For modern restaurants and bars, guest safety extends beyond physical security measures. The angel shot—a discreet code system allowing guests to signal for help when feeling unsafe—has evolved from a social media trend to an essential safety protocol nationwide.
As of 2025, this once grassroots initiative has become standard practice, with over 65% of full-service establishments now incorporating angel shot protocols. This adoption addresses alarming statistics: the National Sexual Violence Resource Center reports that 25% of women and 20% of men have experienced harassment in bars and clubs.
For restaurant owners, implementing an angel shot system serves multiple purposes:
This guide explores angel shot implementation, providing actionable strategies for this protocol.
An angel shot is a coded drink order allowing guests to discreetly request assistance when feeling uncomfortable, threatened, or unsafe. Unlike a real drink, this code signals trained staff that intervention is needed without alerting potential threats.
What began as establishment-specific codes has evolved into more standardized systems. Industry associations now have consistent protocols, recognizing that standardization increases effectiveness as guests move between venues.
Current implementation rates vary by establishment:
"The angel shot system works best when integrated into broader safety protocols that include staff training, clear response procedures, and regular assessment," notes one source.
The 2025 standardized protocol typically includes these variations:
Alternative terminology has gained traction in certain regions. "Ask for Angela" remains popular in the Northeast and British-themed establishments, while some LGBTQ+ venues use specific codes like "Is Diana in tonight?" for inclusivity.
Code word systems like angel shots provide protection through ambiguity. In high-stress situations, victims may struggle to ask for help, especially with potential harassers nearby.
Social media creates a complex relationship with these safety codes—increased awareness helps normalize their use. Still, over-publicizing specific codes can diminish effectiveness if bad actors become familiar with them.
Dr. Marisa Rodriguez, a behavioral psychologist specializing in trauma response, explains: "Code words create psychological safety through plausible deniability. The person at risk can take protective action without immediate confrontation, which is crucial when they're already vulnerable."
Effective implementations balance public awareness with operational security—everyone should know help is available, but specific mechanisms should maintain some discretion.
Successful angel shot implementation requires careful planning and consistent execution:
Signage Recommendations:
Staff Communication:
Digital Integration:
Orderific recommends "a balanced approach to promotion, focusing on internal awareness rather than public advertising, to maintain system integrity." This ensures staff are thoroughly trained while keeping external promotion subtle and strategic.
The most effective angel shot signage maintains a careful balance between being recognizable to those needing help and not drawing unnecessary attention:
Multi-language considerations have become standard in diverse markets, with signage typically offered in the 2-3 most common languages for your area.
Digital alerts have evolved significantly, with many establishments incorporating:
When done right, signage communicates information clearly without causing anxiety.
Implementing angel shot protocols isn't just good service—it's increasingly viewed as risk management. Clear protocols in place are important to reduce staff liability and ensure guests' safety.
Key legal considerations include:
California and New York lead the regulatory landscape, with California's AB-1751 requiring written procedures for handling harassment, and New York mandating annual safety training for all hospitality workers.
Effective angel shot systems rely primarily on well-trained staff who understand protocols and responsibilities. Your staff has a responsibility to provide assistance promptly and nonjudgmentally.
Essential training components include:
Industry best practices now recommend:
One article notes that "staff and security team training is vital; onboarding should cover angel shot response procedures." This training should emphasize that angel shots are for all guests, regardless of gender, appearance, or perceived vulnerability.
When an angel shot is ordered, having a straightforward workflow ensures your team has the appropriate response:
For "Neat" Angel Shot:
1. Bartender acknowledges the order and serves a non-alcoholic drink
2. Bartender alerts the floor manager
3. Manager approaches the guest discreetly to offer assistance
4. Staff member escorts guest to vehicle or waiting area
5. Staff completes follow-up documentation
For "With Ice" Angel Shot:
1. Bartender acknowledges and serves a non-alcoholic drink
2. Manager arranges transportation
3. The guest is discreetly informed when transportation is ready
4. Staff create a safe exit pathway and escort to the vehicle
5. Incident is documented and reviewed
For "With Lime" Angel Shot:
1. Bartender acknowledges the order and serves a non-alcoholic drink
2. Manager and security are immediately alerted
3. Designated staff member contacts police
4. The guest is moved to a safe location when possible
5. Detailed documentation is completed for police and internal records
Several certification programs have emerged to standardize angel shot training:
Role-playing exercises have proven particularly effective for staff preparedness, and practice during pre-shift meetings helps maintain readiness.
Technological advancements have created new safety integration opportunities:
These digital tools enhance traditional protocols by providing additional avenues for guests to signal distress, especially when approaching a bartender might be difficult.
Measuring angel shot protocol effectiveness requires both quantitative and qualitative approaches:
Key Performance Indicators:
Anonymous feedback collection through QR codes or digital surveys effectively gathers guest perspectives without compromising privacy.
While effectiveness is somewhat subjective, having an easy-to-understand system is positively linked to increased feelings of safety and awareness.
Angel shots work best as part of a comprehensive safety ecosystem:
Industry collaboration has increased significantly, with regional restaurant associations creating shared resources and best practices. This has led to innovations like Chicago's "Safe Nights Network," where venues share real-time safety alerts.
Angel shot protocols have evolved from a viral trend to an essential safety standard. Effective implementation requires thoughtful signage, staff training, clear response workflows, and digital integration.
The balance between awareness and effectiveness remains delicate. Guests must know help is available, while specific mechanisms must maintain discretion to remain effective.For restaurant owners and managers, angel shots represent an ethical responsibility and business necessity. Establishments prioritizing guest safety protect guests and reduce liability, enhance reputation, and foster loyalty in an increasingly safety-conscious market.
Whether implementing for the first time or enhancing existing protocols, this guide can help you create a comprehensive approach that fits your unique needs while adhering to industry best practices.
Your guests trust you with their dining experience and their safety. An effectively implemented angel shot system helps ensure you're worthy of that trust.
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