Why asking for an ‘Angel Shot’ at a bar may save your life

What begins as a night out with friends can, in an instant, become a frightening fight for safety.

For countless people, particularly women, bars and clubs are places where unwanted attention can quickly escalate into fear. But a discreet code phrase known as an “Angel Shot” is quietly giving patrons a lifeline, allowing them to alert staff that they are in danger without drawing attention to themselves.

As concerns about harassment, drink spiking and gender-based violence (GBV) continue to grow, this simple request could be the difference between escaping safely and becoming another victim.

Recognising that anyone can find themselves in an uncomfortable or dangerous situation, restaurant chain Fat Cactus has introduced the “Angel Shot” initiative across its venues, offering patrons a discreet way to ask for help.

The initiative is aimed at people whose dates have taken a troubling turn, who discover the person they are meeting is not who they claimed to be, or who are being harassed or made to feel unsafe.

“If your date is not going well, if the person is not who they claimed to be, if you feel unsafe or even just a bit uneasy, or if someone is bothering you or making you feel uncomfortable, we are here to help.”

Patrons can simply ask a bartender or waiter for an “Angel Shot”, with each variation signalling the type of assistance required.

Ordering it “neat” means a staff member will escort the patron to their vehicle, “dressed” prompts staff to call an e-hailing ride, while asking for it “with lime” indicates that the police should be contacted.

“We will handle things discreetly and without fuss. We want you to know that you are in a safe place and in good hands,” the restaurant chain said.

Fat Cactus is among a small but growing number of South African hospitality establishments adopting the Angel Shot safety code.

One of the earliest venues to introduce the initiative was Hooters SA, which rolled it out at its Gqeberha branch in 2017 after the concept gained traction internationally. 

Staff were trained to respond to discreet requests for an Angel Shot by escorting patrons to their vehicles, arranging a ride home or contacting the police, depending on the level of assistance needed.

IOL