Bars & Breweries, Management & Operation

What Is an Angel Shot?

Last updated on Aug 22, 2022
Corrinn McCauley

When a patron requests an angel shot, they don’t want a drink; they’re letting you know they are uncomfortable around a fellow guest and need help. Bar owners pride themselves on creating safe environments where customers can cut loose and have fun. While fire safety and sanitation standards are within their control, the attitudes and intentions of their guests are not.

Alarming Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) reports reveal sexual assaults occur every 68 seconds in America. Eight out of ten victims know their assailants. To run a successful bar, you must curate a space where customers are safe to release their inhibitions. You can help reduce sexual assault statistics by implementing the angel shot initiative and training staff members to respond correctly when a customer orders an angel shot.

Click below to learn more about angel shots:

Angel Shot Meaning

When a customer orders an angel shot, it means, “I’m in a concerning situation. Please help me get out of it.” How the customer orders the angel shot (neat, on ice, or with lime) reveals the severity of the situation and the type of intervention required. The angel shot was born from the viral “Ask for Angela” initiative.

What Does Ask For Angela Mean?

Ask for Angela is a sexual assault prevention campaign in Lincolnshire, U.K. It encourages bar patrons who feel unsafe with their date or uncomfortable around a fellow patron to go to the bar and “Ask for Angela.” Asking for Angela alerts staff members that the patron needs to make a discreet exit and needs a cab/Uber/Lyft called for them. The success of “Ask for Angela” in the U.K. sparked the angel shot initiative in the U.S.

Types of Angel Shots

Illustration of a shot served neat, a shot served on ice, and a shot served with lime.

There are different types of angel shots customers can order to reveal how threatened they feel and the type of help they require. An angel shot may spare a patron from a catfish date, or it might save their life. We break down the most common types of angel shots below. You can include other types of angel shots in your offerings, so customers have more options in unsafe situations.

  • Angel Shot Straight Up/Neat is code for, “I need an escort to my car.”
  • Angel Shot on Ice/on the Rocks is code for, “Please call a taxi/Uber/Lyft for me.”
  • Angel Shot with a Twist/Lemon/Lime is code for, “I am in immediate danger. Please call the police.”

Should Your Bar Offer Angel Shots?

As a bar owner, you may wonder if you should offer angel shots. We provide a list of the top benefits of angel shots below:

  • Free - Angel shots are a safety measure that won’t cost anything to implement.
  • Protects patrons - You spend resources to create a safe environment by upholding health codes, so why wouldn’t you take extra measures to protect your customers from violence and harassment?
  • Builds brand loyalty - Even if they don't need them, patrons appreciate it when bars and restaurants offer angel shots because it shows you care about their well-being. Customers frequent establishments where they know they are safe and cared for.

How Bartenders Should Respond to Angel Shots

A bartender smiles while pushing a customer's drink order forward

Having a game plan in place for how your staff should respond if a customer orders an angel shot will empower them to act with confidence. We've provided a few tips for how to handle an angel shot order below:

  • If the customer doesn't clarify which type of angel shot they need, ask.
  • Call over another staff member and tell them that the customer ordered an angel shot. The other staff member can call for the additional help necessary and alert the rest of the team and management.
  • A staff member should stay with the customer until the ride/police etc. arrives.
  • If the patron requested a ride by ordering an angel shot on ice, have the other staff member the bartender notified announce the "angel shot is ready" when the ride arrives. Then, both staff members can walk with the guest to their vehicle.
  • If a patron orders an angel shot neat, alert other staff members. Either have a bouncer or a group of servers escort the guest to their vehicle.
  • If a patron is at their table when they order an angel shot neat, tell them you have a few angel shot specials at the bar and ask them to come look at the menu. At the bar, alert other staff members and together escort them to their car.

Angel Shot Sign

Advertising that your bar offers angel shot intervention allows customers to get the help they need, but it must be discreet. The power of the angel shot is it removes a patron from a potentially dangerous situation without drawing attention. For subtly, place angel shot signs in the bathrooms of your establishment.

Angel Shot Signs Should Include:

  1. Explanation of what an angel shot is
  2. Encouragement that it's worth ordering an angel shot for any situation that feels off
  3. What the different types of angel shots are
  4. The phone number of the National Sexual Assault Hotline

Where to Hang Angel Shot Signs

Upscale restroom at a bar

Once you make your angel shot sign, you must decide where to hang it. Some bars only place angel shot signs in women’s bathrooms, so men aren’t aware of them. However, this prevents men from receiving help. One out of every ten rape victims is male, so this is a major oversight.

One workaround is to develop two separate sets of angel shot drink orders for men and women that are exclusive to your bar. Have a different sign for men's/women's bathrooms that explains what the respective set of angel shot drink names mean.

As angel shots grow in popularity, having unique drinks and signs for men and women also helps keep your sexual violence prevention efforts discretionary. If a predator knows what an angel shot is, hearing the person they’re harassing order one could place their target in even greater danger. Train your staff to stay with the person who ordered the angel shot until they exit your business and enter safe transportation away from their harasser.

Having unique angel shots and signs for men and women cannot protect non-binary guests. If your space allows, create nonbinary bathrooms and angel shots for nonbinary customers. Place stickers to let your customers know your business is a safe, supportive place for the LGBTQIA+ community on the entrances. If messaging from the top down encourages nondiscrimination and safety for patrons of every sexual identity, it can help reduce violence and harassment.

Do All Bartenders Know What an Angel Shot Is?

The public awareness of angel shots has grown, and most bartenders know what an angel shot is. However, there are bartenders who aren't familiar with angel shots and won't know how to respond with speed, confidence, and discretion when a customer orders one. You should train your bar staff to understand what angel shots are and how to respond when a patron needs one.

How to Prevent Sexual Assault at Your Bar

Man harassing a woman at a bar

Offering angel shots is an added layer of sexual assault risk reduction you can easily implement. We offer a few tips for making the most of your angel shot initiative and other practices you can put into place to prevent sexual assault below.

  • If a customer orders an angel shot, alert all staff members. This removes the burden from a single employee to intervene in the situation and potentially endanger themselves.
  • Encourage staff to ask uneasy customers if they would like an angel shot. A customer in a distressing situation may not be able to come to the bar and order an angel shot for themselves. Train your staff to scan the barroom and ask customers who appear uncomfortable if they would like to try one of your angel shots.
  • Have an angel shot QR code. Employees can show visibly distressed patrons the QR code, which will pull up an explanation of what the different angel shots accomplish.
  • Designate a dining spot for first-time online dates. According to a ProPublica story, 30% of a polled group of 1,200 women who used online dating over the last 15 years experienced a form of sexual assault. Fifty-percent of those sexual assault instances were rape. As online dating has become the cultural norm, having a designated area staff monitor for signs of guest discomfort is an easy way to help ensure the safety of your patrons. If you can’t designate a specific area, encourage guests to notify their bartender, hostess, or server that they’re on a first-time online date when they arrive and/or order.
Back to Top

While no one wants to think about sexual harassment and violence, their realities are unavoidable. By understanding what angel shots are and implementing them as a safety measure in your bar or restaurant, you can turn your business into a safe space for customers to relax and socialize. Hopefully, patrons won't require the angel shot service, but offering them is still a great way to show customers you care and build brand loyalty.

The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice. Please refer to our Content Policy for more details.
External Link

You are about to leave the security of WebstaurantStore.com.

We are not responsible for the privacy policy or any content, links or software, or any consequences from your access to or use of the technologies, websites, information and programs made available on this new site.

Do you want to proceed?

Related Resources

  • How to Spot a Fake ID

    Failing to detect fake IDs and consequently serving underage customers poses a significant risk to both your liquor license and the overall integrity and success of your establishment. That's why it's crucial to thoroughly train bouncers, bartenders, and serving staff on how to properly check IDs and verify their authenticity. We'll go over the various ways to spot a fake ID so you can be sure your bar avoids serving minors. Shop All ID Scanners Click below to learn more about checking customer IDs: The Most Common Fake IDs How to Spot a Fake ID by State Good Fake Identification Methods How to Card Someone Wearing a Mask Download our Fake ID Spotting Checklist PDF Most Common Fake IDs The three most common fake IDs are borrowed IDs, manufactured fake IDs, and forged IDs. Understanding each type of fake ID will help you spot them when you come across them. 1. Borrowed IDs Borrowed fake IDs are the most common fake IDs, with approximately 95% of ID fraud cases coming from borrowed IDs. Minors gain borrowed IDs from older siblings, friends, and strangers within their networks. How to Spot a Borrowed ID: Check for discrepancies between the ID photo and the ID holder. Test the physical description on the ID against the person in front of you. Make sure the license is valid/hasn’t expired. If you feel uncertain that the license genuinely belongs to the person presenting it, check to see if it is a duplicate by looking for your state's duplicate stamp. While a duplicated license doesn’t automatically mean a borrowed license, it is an additional red flag in an already suspicious situation. 2. Forged Fake IDs A forged ID is any identification made to create a false identity. Forged IDs come in two forms: front forged IDs and front and back forged IDs. As their name suggests, front forged IDs appear legitimate on the front, but their barcodes are either unscannable or won’t show encoded information when scanned. Normally, front forged IDs supply stolen personal information and a photo of the forged ID holder. As technology advances, so do fake IDs. Over 60% of forged IDs not only appear legitimate on the front, but they also have barcodes encoded with matching information. How to Spot Front Forged IDs Basic ID scanners can identify whether an ID’s barcode is scannable and/or has information encoded. This process is called ID parsing, and it is the quickest way to identify a front forged ID. In most cases, IDs should have rounded edges all the way around. If the ID presented to you has square edges or its edges feel ragged, the ID may have a false front. How to Spot Front and Back Forged IDs Run the ID through a reputable ID database to confirm that its barcode information is valid. 3. Altered Fake IDs Usually, an altered fake ID is the genuine ID of the person presenting it with partially changed information. Underaged persons will alter the date of birth on their ID to gain access to bars and purchase alcohol. Spotting altered IDs at the door can help you run a successful bar. How to Spot Altered IDs Often, altering an ID will also alter the ID’s security features. Check for changes to the ID’s special color printing, surface texture, and your state’s specific security features. How to Spot a Fake ID by State Train your staff on how to spot a fake ID in your state by familiarizing them with your state’s ID security features. Here are the top things to look out for: Holograms: IDs have holographic images that become visible when held to the light. Each state has a specific image and knowing yours will help you spot fake IDs. Cheap Laminate: States apply professional laminate on their IDs to seal their UV imagery and protect the IDs. To see if the ID being presented to you has professional-grade laminate, gently bend the ID card into a “U” shape. When bent, inexpensive, nonprofessional laminate will bubble. Laser Perforation: IDs have tiny laser-perforated holes forming pictures that aren’t visible to the naked eye until held to direct light. The laser-perforated images are different for each state. Laser Embossing: Many states emboss their IDs with a laser to raise the plastic on the front of their IDs. The laser embossing doesn’t alter the back of the ID, but it allows you to feel the ID and see if the embossing is present/matches standards. UV Imagery: While IDs’ UV imagery varies by state, most states include a second, lighter image that only appears when exposed to UV light. Good Fake Identification Methods Serving minors alcoholic beverages is a criminal offense and should be avoided at all costs. Beyond the specific ways to identify the three most common types of fake IDs and knowing your state's ID security features, there are universal fake identification methods your business can apply. Your staff should know how to question ID holders, and your business can benefit from fake ID detection technology. We provide a list of questions that draw out an ID holder and help you determine if their ID is fake, and we also show you what features to look out for when choosing fake ID detection technology. Fake ID Questions If you suspect that an ID is fake, ask the ID holder questions. If they don't know the answers or get nervous, you probably have a fake ID on your hands. Here are some questions you can ask the cardholder to help determine if their ID is fake. Ask them what the middle initial on their ID represents. Ask them to confirm the personal information their ID card contains. Ask them to write their signature and then compare it to the signature on their ID. Bonus: Provide the wrong middle initial or mispronounce their first name and see if they correct you. While you question the cardholder, look for these red flags: Lack of eye contact Hesitancy answering Nervous body language Defensive responses Eyes rove upwards (a sign that someone is struggling to recall information) Invest in a Fake ID Detector As fake IDs become more advanced and harder to spot, investing in fake ID detection technology is a proactive strategy for your bar or restaurant. There are fake ID detector apps and fake ID detector machines to help your staff spot ID fraud. As you browse fake ID detector options, these are the top features you want your fake ID detector to have: Tests ID barcodes against a trusted ID database Analyzes pixel accuracy Uses both white and infrared light to test the ID’s security features References a broad ID library with identification cards across state lines since many fake ID holders will intentionally use cards from outside your area that your staff is less familiar with Has a magnetic stripe reader that verifies the ID’s information against government departmental databases How to Check Photo IDs When Customers Are Wearing Face Masks Face masks have become a common sight in public places, so how do you politely card someone wearing a medical mask? Here are some tips to check a customer's ID and confirm their identity if they are wearing a mask: Make sure the person’s eye color matches their ID. While physical features such as weight and hair color can change, it is still useful to examine the person and evaluate whether they resemble their ID photo. If you are uncertain, ask the ID holder questions about their ID. Ask the ID holder to pull down their face mask so you can briefly examine their entire face. If you cannot confidently determine that the masked ID holder matches their card, remember that it is your right to deny the sale of alcohol in good faith. Losing that single sale will cost you far less than losing your liquor license. How to Reduce Touch Points When Checking IDs Have customers place their ID on a serving tray face up for examination. This allows your staff to inspect it without having to touch it themselves. If the ID seems questionable, pick it up while wearing gloves to examine it. Invest in an ID barcode scanner or smartphone app that allows customers to perform self-scans. Back to Top Think You Know How to Spot a Fake ID? Now that you've learned all about fake IDs and how to spot them, it's time to test your knowledge. Answer the questions below to see if you're ready to spot fake IDs or if you need to review this resource some more. <!-- STATES --> <nav class="accordion accordion--arrows"> Which of the following things may indicate an ID has been altered? Ragged edges or square edges The ID holder's hair color is different than the photo Bumps on laminated IDs Air pockets on laminated IDs The ID holder is a different weight than pictured on the ID There are misspellings The ID is peeling <label class="box__title" for="cb1">Click to Reveal Answer</label> <label class="box__close" for="acc-close"></label> Correct Answers: Ragged edges or square edges Bumps on laminated IDs Air pockets on laminated IDs There are misspellings The ID is peeling Which of the following might make you suspect that an ID is fake? The words “Not a Government Document” are on the ID Red eye in the photo White-out was used to change the information Unclear/fuzzy printing appears on the ID All the above <label class="box__title" for="cb2">Click to Reveal Answer</label> <label class="box__close" for="acc-close"></label> Correct Answers: All the above </nav> While it's easy to hurry through the ID checking process, particularly during busy nights such as Blackout Wednesday, failing to spot a fake ID can cost you your liquor license. Too many businesses face stiff penalties because they failed to train their staff on how to spot a fake ID. Use this blog as a guide for safeguarding your business against the blows of heavy fines, or worse, a lost liquor license.

  • Sober Night Life: Why Non Alcoholic Bars Are the New Hotspots

    It’s well-known that alcohol can negatively affect your health, posing a challenge for health-conscious consumers seeking the social scene of bars while avoiding or limiting consumption. Enter the sober bar. A top bar industry trend, sober bars are establishments that serve non-alcoholic beverages and focus on providing safe and enjoyable environments for people who choose not to drink. Explore the world of socially conscious nightlife, including sober bar models and ingredients, along with the movements driving them. What Is a Sober Bar? Also known as nonalcoholic bars and zero proof bars, sober bars are social spaces that serve specialty nonalcoholic cocktails and beverages. The first sober bars, like The Brink in Liverpool, England, were created to offer nightlife experiences to those recovering from substance abuse. But that was back in 2011. Today, the rise of sober bars marks a larger trend toward health and wellness. Many sober bar menus aren’t filled with sugar-laden virgin daiquiris and pina coladas. Instead, their zero proof drinks often use health-boosting ingredients like kombucha, botanicals, and house-made bitters. Zero Proof Bar Benefits With a focus on events, health, and community, zero proof bar owners have the opportunity to create an equitable space for people to socialize and connect without the pressure to drink alcohol. Discover the top benefits of opening a sober bar below: Create Community - As a sober bar owner, you can position your business as an event center and partner with other local businesses. Sober bars exist to build communities where people can engage with each other unencumbered by booze. From classic gatherings like live music and trivia nights to yoga and art classes, sober bars are great spaces to build community. Cater to Health-Concious Patrons - As we see an ongoing trend towards health and wellness, sober bars are uniquely positioned to attract health-minded patrons. Offering menus that cater to plant-based diets and working natural supplements into zero proof cocktails can set your sober bar apart. Less Liability Risks - Alcohol consumption can impair judgment and coordination, leading to accidents and injuries. If patrons don’t drink in moderation or have a designated driver, it can lead to DUI incidents and driving accidents. By eliminating alcohol, sober bar owners have fewer liability concerns. Advertise as an Ideal First Date Location - Sober bars can advertise themselves as an ideal location for blind and first dates since they're open in the evening and provide a “going out” experience but can be less intimating than traditional nightlife spots. Meeting someone for the first time in a traditional bar setting can be daunting, especially since dating apps have made first dates with total strangers the cultural norm. Even without alcohol, sexual harassment and assault are still possible, and sober bar owners should still develop an angel shot system to extricate patrons from harassment situations. This is especially important for female-identifying persons, who are disproportionately affected by sexual assault and violence. Sober Bar Drinks Sober bar beverage menus incorporate a variety of ingredients ranging from zero proof liquors and adaptogens to cava. Let's take a closer look at popular sober bar drinks and ingredients: Zero Proof Liquor - One way to create sober bar drinks is by using zero proof liquor. These non-alcoholic spirits are designed to mimic the flavor and complexity of traditional liquors but without the alcohol content. This means that guests can enjoy the taste of their favorite cocktails without the buzz. Alcohol-Free Cocktails - For those looking for healthier options, many sober bars offer specialty mocktails (non-alcoholic mixed drinks) made with fresh juices, herbs, and spices. These drinks can be just as flavorful and satisfying as their alcoholic counterparts but without the added calories and hangovers. However, you won’t see many sober bars calling their mocktails by that name. The term “mocktail” suggests a knockoff version of a luxury item. Sober bars believe their specialty drinks are experiences unto themselves, not shadows of their alcoholic counterparts. Kava and Kratom - Two other non-alcoholic options that are gaining popularity in the sober bar scene are kava and kratom. Kava is a plant-based drink that is said to have calming and anxiety-reducing effects. Kratom is a tropical tree that is used for its pain-relieving and mood-boosting properties. Both can be consumed in the form of teas or tinctures. Non-Alcoholic Beer and Wine - Of course, no sober bar menu would be complete without non-alcoholic beer and wine. These drinks have been around for decades, but recent advancements in brewing and fermentation techniques have led to a wider variety of flavors and styles. From hoppy IPAs to crisp chardonnays, there is a non-alcoholic option for every taste preference. Adaptogen Drinks - Adaptogens are herbs and mushrooms that help the body adapt to stress and promote overall wellness. They've been used for centuries in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, and now they're making their way into the world of cocktails. Adaptogen drinks can be made with a variety of ingredients, such as ashwagandha, reishi mushrooms, and maca roots. Tea Cocktails - These drinks are made by infusing tea with herbs, fruits, and spices, and then adding in other non-alcoholic ingredients for flavor and texture. The result is a complex and flavorful drink that can be just as sophisticated as any alcoholic cocktail. There are countless tea cocktails to choose from, each with its unique flavor profile. For example, a basil green tea cocktail could be made with egg white, brewed green tea, basil syrup, lemon juice, and pineapple juice. Or, a hibiscus tea cocktail could be made with hibiscus tea, ginger beer, lime juice, and a sprig of fresh mint. Outside of sober bars, tea cocktails are also popular menu items at tea bars. Types of Sober Bars While some zero proof bars operate as completely alcohol-free spaces, many traditional bars are choosing to expand their nonalcoholic offerings to cater to more guests without forgoing their classic bar menus. Learn how hospitality operators are managing the trend towards sober nightlife by browsing the different types of sober bars. 0 to 100 Proof Menus - In response to the health movement, some bars choose to offer a mix of low-ABV drinks, premium zero proof beverages, and traditional cocktails. This puts the choice in the hands of the consumer to select the beverages that meet their overall social, mental, and physical goals. Unlike the lackluster nonalcoholic beers of the past, their customers will receive a high-quality beverage regardless of whether it contains alcohol. This model also helps patrons avoid binge drinking, since it’s easy to switch to a nonalcoholic option as the night progresses. 21 + Sober Bars - While sober bars make an attractive nightlife alternative for those not yet of legal drinking age, some owners choose to reserve their establishments for patrons over the age of 21. They want to retain the atmosphere of a traditional nightlife business and don’t want more mature patrons to avoid their business because it feels like a high school haunt. Most sober bars are highly sophisticated and appeal to professionals. Sober Bars with Event Spaces - Sober bars hinge on community, so many owners will have space to host events. Whether it be a stage for hosting live musicians, a dance floor, or areas to hold fitness classes, these sober bars act as event centers, tying in other local businesses and artists. Coffee Shop by Day, Sober Bar by Night - A popular coffee house trend is diversifying how they use their space, and sober bars are the perfect opportunity to do this. Coffee shops that traditionally close in the late afternoon are reopening in the evening as sober bars. They offer their unique nonalcoholic cocktails and other zero proof drinks during their evening service. This allows them to use their space to capture a different set of clientele and expand their sales. Social Movements that Birthed Sober Bars The emergence of non-alcoholic bars reflects a broader shift in society towards healthier and more mindful living. According to a recent study by Streetbees, out of the 1,700 drinking-age millennials in the U.S. recently interviewed, 1 in 2 had lessened their drinking in the past year. This trend is driven by a growing awareness of the health risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption. Many people are also embracing the sober curious movement, which encourages people to explore a sober lifestyle, and others are practicing mindful drinking. What Is the Sober Curious Movement? The sober curious movement is a call to question the role alcohol plays in our individual lives. The movement is not about being completely sober or giving up alcohol forever, but rather taking a break from drinking to see how it affects health, well-being, and relationships. It's a way to challenge the societal norm of drinking in social situations and explore alternative ways of socializing and having fun without alcohol. What Is Mindful Drinking? Mindful drinking is the practice of being aware and intentional about the amount and type of alcohol one consumes. Consuming alcohol, often in large volumes, has long been the societally accepted way to relax, celebrate, and socialize. When practicing mindful drinking, people are questioning these societal norms. Instead of complying with the expected, they’re evaluating whether each drink is serving them as individuals in their social, mental, and bodily health goals before consuming it. Mindful Drinking vs Sober Curious It is important to note that mindful drinking is different from the sober curious movement. While both movements involve reducing or eliminating alcohol consumption, sober curious individuals typically abstain from alcohol altogether, whereas mindful drinkers may still choose to consume alcohol in moderation. What Caused the Sober Curious and Mindful Drinking Movements? There are several reasons behind the rise of mindful drinking and the sober curious movement. Firstly, people are becoming more health-conscious and are looking for alternatives to traditional alcoholic beverages, as excessive drinking can lead to a range of health problems in the long term. The immediate negative effects of alcohol, such as hangovers and impaired judgment, are leading people to explore mindful drinking to mitigate these effects. Additionally, many people are becoming more aware of the negative impact of alcohol on society, such as drunk driving and alcohol-related violence. By being more intentional about their alcohol consumption, or avoiding it entirely, people can enjoy a night out without the negative consequences of excessive drinking. Whether people are abstaining from alcohol entirely, or mindfully examining how it’s affecting them, society is shifting towards reduced alcohol consumption. We can expect to see a growing demand for nonalcoholic beverages and alcohol-free communal spaces. The hospitality industry is adapting by offering high-quality zero proof drinks and alcohol-free nightlife environments.

  • Bar Marketing Ideas

    One of the most important aspects of opening a bar is creating a marketing plan that will attract new customers. In order to successfully run a bar, you must have several bar promotions to not only reach new customers but also to keep existing customers coming back. Quality bar marketing will have your bar packed with patrons and well-established within the local community. Below, we’ll cover proven bar marketing strategies that will generate awareness for your bar and entice new customers. You can navigate to the different bar promotional ideas by using the following links: Bars Social Media Promotions and Online Advertising Bar Menu Promotions and Diversification Bar Entertainment Seasonal Bar Promotions and Calendar Events Bar Publicity and Partnerships 1. Bars Social Media Promotions and Online Advertising Most of the population depends on smartphones for communication, browsing, working, and social interactions. What better way to reach your target audience than through mobile devices and online platforms? Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are excellent bar marketing outlets that can provide a cost-effective and personal way to reach a large audience in a forum they are already visiting. Here are a few tactics you can use to reach new customers online and on social media: Create a Facebook Page You can create a page on Facebook where customers can interact with photos, polls, and reviews. This allows customers to share their feedback on bar event ideas you come up with. Experiment with posting at different times of day to see which posts your customers interact with the most. You can then find the best time range to advertise bar promotions. Utilize Facebook Events Create free online invitations for bar events you’ll be hosting that customers can RSVP to and share with their friends. Mention upcoming beer pong, pool, or poker tournaments on social media with these event pages. This interaction allows you to provide links to online registrations, gauge interest, and provide customers with reminders when the event is coming up. Use Advertising Hashtags Display your bar’s hashtag in your dining space to encourage patrons to reference your bar on social media. Offer special promotions like bar discounts for those who use your hashtag and check in at your bar on social media. Turn it into a monthly photo contest by offering a gift card for the best photo that features your bar's name and hashtag. Work with Brand Advocates and Influencers Invite local influencers such as bloggers, politicians, and public figures to your location in exchange for a free drink and a bar review. Consider asking loyal customers or employees to act as brand advocates as well and talk about your bar on social media to help boost your bar advertising. Create a Bar Website Consider creating a website for your bar and signing up for local directories such as Google My Business, Yelp, and Trip Advisor. A website or listing can help a wider audience locate your establishment. You can use keywords on your website that include the name of your town or city, such as “bars in Manhattan,” to attract customers who are searching for new local places. Start a Blog and Newsletter Update your customers on new menu items or give them a behind-the-scenes look at your business by creating a bar blog or email newsletter. Include unique marketing ideas in your blog by adding videos, photos, and interviews to keep your customers engaged and feeling connected to your bar. Post regularly and add a call to action in your posts to bring customers into your bar. Get Your Bar on the Map Help locals and tourists find your bar by making sure your establishment shows up on the map. By adding your bar to Google My Business, it will also add your location to Google Maps. You can input your business information directly in the Waze app to have it listed on their map. To add your bar to Apple Maps, just visit the Apple Business Connect website. Host a Live Stream You can keep your customers connected with your business by using live video services like Facebook Live, Instagram Live, or Skype sessions. These services allow your customers to chat back and ask questions. During bar closures, bartenders can stream live cocktail-making tutorials and other mixology tips. 2. Bar Menu Promotions and Diversification One of the main factors that will attract customers to your bar is your cocktail and food menus. For that reason, it’s important to make your bar menu diverse and easily accessible online. Below, we cover a variety of ways you can diversify your menu and amplify your marketing efforts to reach new customers and audiences: Promote Your Bar Menu Online Placing your menu online is a great way to reach more customers in your area. Getting your menu indexed by Google will help your bar’s website appear in the first few search results when local customers are looking for a bar near them. You can also sign up for a SinglePlatform account which allows for your menu to be published on a wide range of search engines, review sites, and social media platforms, increasing your bar’s online visibility. Bar Alcohol Delivery and Take-Out Options With the availability of third-party delivery services, alcohol delivery has become one of the fastest growing bar trends. By offering cocktail carry-out or delivery options, customers can enjoy your bar's menu from the comfort of their homes. You can even create and sell cocktail kits, featuring all of the ingredients needed for a signature cocktail, so customers can recreate them at their leisure. Diversify Your Bar Menu Encourage patrons to stay at your venue by offering an all-inclusive environment with beverages and food. Consider pairing your bar food and drink specials together for additional deals. If customers hear about combined specials, they're more likely to buy both, increasing your overall sales. Keep in mind that venues not previously serving food may need to acquire a license or permit. Here are some appetizer ideas for bar-side snacking that your customers may enjoy: Onion Rings Chicken Wings Boneless Bites Potato Wedges Chips and Dip French Fries Bar Specials Ideas Since these staple foods are available at most bars, you'll need to add some menu variety to gain a competitive advantage against similar businesses. Try these bar specials to stay relevant and fresh! Daily Specials - Encourage patrons to try new drinks each time they visit. Happy Hour - Offering discounted drinks within a certain time window is a great way to fill your bar during slower shifts. Seasonal Specials - Offer event-inspired or seasonal beers and/or mixed drinks. Mystery Drink - You could occasionally offer a mystery beer or mixed drink. It'll pique your patrons' curiosity and have them guessing the unknown beverage. Private Sampling Party - Invite your loyal customers to an invite-only sampling for new drafts or signature drinks. Prior to the event, guests will be frequenting your bar in hopes of gaining an exclusive invite. Plus, it rewards loyal customers for their continued business. Punch Card Challenge - If your bar offers appetizers consider offering a punch card challenge or a loyalty program. For example, after buying nine appetizers, the 10th one is free! This contest encourages patrons to order food while having a drink. Signature Dish - Offer a signature dish that can’t be found in other bars in your area. You can try being the home of 6-foot-long subs or extra spicy chicken wings. This will give your bar a memorable edge. 3. Bar Entertainment Successful bars create an inviting environment that keeps patrons coming back for more. Beyond just serving food and drinks, your bar can be the location of social outings with the implementation of bar entertainment ideas such as games, activities, performances, and other bar events. Bar Games Adding bar games to your establishment is a great way to increase your customer base and boost sales. Encourage friendly competition by providing yard and game room equipment like darts, pool tables, lawn games, Foosball tables, games of chance, vintage arcade games, pinball machines, or board games. You can even hold tournaments and offer gift card prizes for the winners. Bar Music Consider bringing in special entertainment like a DJ or local talent to attract the community's support to your bar. It could be the first time some guests enter your venue, so you'll want to make a good impression. Additionally, many local performers are likely to have a fan base that will come to watch them and simultaneously discover your bar in the process. Here are some bar ideas for acts and entertainment to add to your lineup: Local DJs Bands Karaoke Nights Poetry Slams Open Mic Performances Comedians Plays and Theater Performance Improv Nights Dance Troupes Art Galleries Be sure to obtain the appropriate music licenses before hosting live performances in your establishment. Bar Activities Make your bar the go-to stop for group hangouts by hosting a variety of different activities. These are a few popular ideas for bars that can help attract customers to your location: Trivia Nights Hosting a trivia night is a fantastic way to attract new customers and create an interactive experience. Teams will compete against each other for prizes, creating a fun environment that all can enjoy. Trivia nights are extremely popular and don’t require a ton of effort to set up, making them an effective way to bring in new customers. Bar Olympics If you cater toward a predominately younger crowd, events like Bar Olympics could be a huge success. Bar Olympics contain many well-known drinking games such as flip cup, cornhole, and beer pong. These games don’t cost a lot to organize, and young patrons will surely have a blast. Classes Hosting a variety of classes is a great way to establish a connection with your patrons while providing something of value to them. Bartending classes teach young adults a valuable skill, and might even allow you to find your next great bartender. Alternatively, fun events like art and dance classes are a great way to try something unique at your bar and attract new customers. Audience Specific Events If you notice your bar hosts a specific type of crowd or caters to a target market, you may want to consider utilizing specific events targeted towards your audience. For example, if your bar frequently hosts college students, then you may want to consider hosting events for young singles or graduation parties for graduating seniors. Alternatively, if you want to position your bar as a family location, you can host several family-friendly days, offering special discounts for children’s meals. Themed Events Themed events are a fantastic way to draw a crowd to your bar and create a wonderful atmosphere. Events like Big Game celebrations and watch parties for local sports teams can bring massive crowds to your bar. Other events like decade parties create a unique and memorable atmosphere that customers will enjoy and want to come back for more. 4. Seasonal Bar Promotions and Calendar Events Along with themed events, you can use the calendar and food holidays to come up with some clever bar promotions and marketing plan ideas. Large, traditional holidays can be hectic and your patrons most likely already have plans. Instead, pick holidays that relate specifically to your customers and business. Consider these unique occasions for your bar: Beer Can Appreciation Day (Jan. 24) - Continue celebrating the new year by offering discounts on canned beers. Try serving uncommon and locally-brewed beers for beer can-collecting enthusiasts. National Irish Coffee Day (Jan. 25) - Bring Irish-themed celebrations to your bar by offering special Bailey's drinks in festive Irish coffee mugs. National Drink Wine Day (Feb. 18) - This day provides the perfect excuse to showcase your wine list for customers who may not be into beers or cocktails. World Cocktail Day (May 13) - Try out new drink special ideas on World Cocktail Day to test run recipes you’re considering adding to your menu. St. Patrick's Day (Mar. 17) - Deck out your bar with leprechaun green decorations for St. Patrick's Day parties. You can run Guinness specials, serve specific St. Patrick's Day foods, and add green coloring to specialty drinks. Cinco de Mayo (May 5) - Take advantage of drinking-related holidays. For Cinco de Mayo, try offering tequila and margarita drink specials, along with deals on guacamole, tacos, and burritos. National Chocolate Day (Oct. 28) - Offer delicious and unique mixed drinks like chocolate-rimmed cocktails, chocolate martinis, beers, and wines to celebrate this flavorful day. Oktoberfest (Early Oct.) - This may be a two-week festival occurring in Germany, but that doesn't mean you can't recognize the merriment of beer, food, music, and dancing by hosting an Oktoberfest celebration at your bar. First Day of the Season - Ring in each new season with a specialty drink and food menu. You can serve refreshing and floral cocktails for spring, add hotdogs and hamburgers to your summer menu, break out pumpkin and apple flavors for the fall, and switch up your bar list to winter beers when the colder months roll around. Your Bar’s Anniversary - Provide an opportunity for your customers to connect with your business by celebrating the anniversary of your opening and other milestones along the way with discounts and giveaways. 5. Bar Publicity and Partnerships Hosting a fundraiser or forming a partnership with a local company is an excellent way to give back to your community and increase your visibility. You may choose to: Host a Charity Night - Offer to give a portion of a specific night’s proceeds to a charity you have chosen. You can even have members of the charity act as waitstaff and bartenders for the evening to further enhance the partnership. Work with an Animal Shelter - Publicize pets available for adoption outside of your location. You could also work with the shelter to set up a stand and playpen with available animals right outside of your bar doors. The idea can be a win-win situation, attracting customers to your business while providing homes for pets in need. Host a Business Mixer - Invite local businesses to your bar for a business mixer. This event establishes important connections with other local businesses, creating important network connections. The companies and employees you host can also network with the other businesses present, creating a great situation for all. Partner with Local Breweries and Wineries - Working with local breweries and wineries in your area allows you to establish valuable connections in the industry. For example, you could run special deals on a brewery's products, giving them a lot of promotion. In the future, you'll likely be rewarded with discounts on that location's supplies or special treatment in the form of early access to new beverages. For these bar events, consider contacting the local media via press releases or radio advertisements. It may be helpful to even designate one staff member to serve as your public relations coordinator to ensure effective organization and promotion. Try out a few of these bar promotion ideas that best suit your customer base and see how they end up impacting your bottom line. Simply showing patrons you care about their safety is a great way to build loyalty and can help promote your bar. With a bit of advertising and creativity, your bar will get noticed by new patrons.