How to Use Self Protective Strategies at Bars

Even if you're out at a bar with good friends, you still need to keep an eye on yourself when you're drinking. Use self protective strategies to help you stay safe and have a fun night out on the town.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Pepper spray

1. Avoid going home with someone you don't know. Unfortunately, even the friendliest bar patron can be a jerk outside of the establishment. If you meet someone you like, exchange numbers and go out on a date in a public place, at a later time. This way, you can make sure you've judged his personality correctly, without the help of liquor.
2. Keep track of how much you have been drinking. You can do this by writing down your drinks, having friends watch your consumption or agreeing that you will only have a certain number of drinks during your night out. By preventing yourself from getting too drunk, you will be aware of your surroundings and better able to fend off any unwanted advances.
3. Gather a group of friends to go out to bars. There is safety in numbers. Your friends can watch out for each other and for unsavory bar patrons. Make sure to bring a buddy to the bathroom too, even if you are male.
4. Avoid going to bars in dangerous parts of town, even if you have a friend with you. It is possible that you will be injured or mugged if you're in an area known for risky behavior. If your friends suggest a dive bar, ask to go to a safer bar or go home.
5. Use pepper spray, even if you're male. Pepper spray is a good defense mechanism for anyone caught in a bad situation. Using pepper spray as a self protective strategy can disarm your attacker and allow you to get away and call 911.
6. Finish your drink before you head to the bathroom. If you don't, someone could slip the date drug into it while you're gone.

Tips & Warnings

• Always develop your self protective strategies before you go out to bars. Talk to your friends about how you will watch out for each other, or develop a normal routine that you can all remember.
• Don't carry a gun to a bar if you have a conceal-and-carry permit. If you drink too much, someone else could disarm you and put you or others in danger. The best self protective strategies involve leaving your weapons at home.
• Don't use force in a situation unless you feel you are in danger. Even hitting someone on the shoulder playfully can be taken the wrong way by the wrong person.