Safe Bar Network
Safe Bar Network is a U.S. nonprofit 501(c)(3) that provides free active bystander and de-escalation training to bars, restaurants, breweries, and other alcohol-serving venues to prevent overconsumption, harassment, and harm, funded by beverage industry sponsorships and donations.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2020
- HeadquartersKansas City, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Safe Bar Network does
Safe Bar Network is a U.S. nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization founded in January 2020 and headquartered remotely in Kansas City, MO, that provides active bystander and de-escalation training to alcohol-serving venues including bars, restaurants, nightclubs, breweries, and festivals. The core product is a one-hour facilitator-led conversation that teaches hospitality staff to recognize and intervene in overconsumption, harassment, and other harm, built on a proprietary methodology that includes the "Pivot to Hospitality" technique (setting firm boundaries by pivoting from restriction to offer) and the Huddle Up conversation guide (available in English and Spanish). Supporting assets include quick-tip PDFs, a mocktail recipe guide, a high-volume venue training module, and a post-training evaluation system that consistently reports 97\u2013100% participant satisfaction and an A+ (99.3/100) venue rating.
The organization's business model is donation- and sponsorship-funded: training is delivered at no cost to member venues, while revenue comes from tax-deductible contributions and corporate sponsorships from beverage and hospitality industry leaders including Brown-Forman, Anheuser-Busch Brewers Collective, Stone Brewing, Boston Beer Company, Tito's Handmade Vodka, and LineLeap. Go-to-market is community-led and event-driven\u2014venues enroll through a 15\u201330 minute membership call, certified facilitators earn $175 per session and $100 per successful referral, and the network has scaled to 270+ member venues across 32 states plus an international program (SAFE Bar Network Türkiye) launched in 2023. Distribution is reinforced by government nighttime economy partnerships (New Orleans, Pittsburgh), industry associations (USBG, Pink Boots Society, California Restaurant Association, Women of the Vine & Spirits / 86 Harassment), and sexual assault prevention organizations (San Miguel Resource Center, Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault, Northwest Arkansas Center for Sexual Assault).
Underlying technology is light: a Wix-hosted website, organic social presence across TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn, downloadable PDF resources, and email/newsletter communications. There is no proprietary software platform or AI/ML component; the value proposition rests on the human-delivered training methodology, the facilitator network, and the member venue community.
Safe Bar Network firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Safe Bar Network
- Legal name
- SAFE Bar Network
- Website
- https://safebarnetwork.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2020
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Safe Bar Network is a U.S. nonprofit 501(c)(3) that provides free active bystander and de-escalation training to bars, restaurants, breweries, and other alcohol-serving venues to prevent overconsumption, harassment, and harm, funded by beverage industry sponsorships and donations.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Safe Bar Network industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Hospitality Safety Training
- NAICS
- Drinking Places (Alcoholic Beverages) (722410)
- SIC
- Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Nightclub, Bar & Entertainment Venue Security (BPAKACAF)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Neighborhood & Sports Bars (THAFAEAA), Event Security, Safety & Compliance Services (MPAIAFAH)
Keywords
Where Safe Bar Network is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Kansas City
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Safe Bar Network business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others
Revenue model
- Donations: The SAFE Bar Network is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Donations from individuals and organizations support the training programs. Since formation in January 2020, they have received nearly $1 million in donations from 30+ organizations and individuals.
- Sponsorships: The organization receives support from leaders in the beverage and hospitality industry through sponsorship tiers and options. Major sponsors include Brown-Forman, Anheuser Busch, Stone Brewing, Boston Beer Company, LineLeap, Tito's Handmade Vodka, and others.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | Annual | Free training for member venues |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Facilitator compensation |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Referral compensation |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels11 records
Safe Bar Network product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The SAFE Bar Network is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) that provides active bystander and de-escalation training to alcohol-serving venues (bars, restaurants, breweries, nightclubs). It delivers one-hour conversation-based training sessions on-site to help staff prevent overconsumption, harassment, and other forms of harm, while supporting workplace culture and customer retention.
Product overview
The SAFE Bar Network is a nonprofit organization offering a portfolio of training and resource products focused on alcohol server safety and bystander intervention. The core offering is the SAFE Bar Training program—a one-hour conversation-based training that teaches hospitality staff to notice uncomfortable situations, build active bystander skills, and create workplace cultures that prevent harm. Supporting products include SAFE Night Out introductory sessions, the Huddle Up Conversation Guide (available in English and Spanish), Quick Tips for preventing overconsumption, and the Mocktail Guide featuring non-alcoholic recipes. The organization also operates a Social Media Ambassador Program for volunteer advocates, a Facilitator Program for certified trainers, and an Internship Program in marketing, communications, and PR. Regional programs include SAFE Bar NOLA (partnered with the City of New Orleans) and SAFE Bar Türkiye (international expansion with Brown-Forman). A new High Volume Venue Training module is being developed for high-volume nightlife environments. Evaluation tools track training effectiveness and participant outcomes.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- SAFE Bar Training A one-hour on-site training conversation that teaches bar and restaurant staff to notice uncomfortable behavior, build active bystander skills, de-escalate risky situations, and create workplace cultures that prevent overconsumption, harassment, and other forms of harm. Offered at no cost to member venues.
- SAFE Night Out Sessions
Quantifiable outcome
- Venue closures below national average for member venues
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use Safe Bar Network
Customer profileNamed customers10 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Safe Bar Network technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
Safe Bar Network partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
28 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.
- Brown-FormanflagshipBrown-Forman partnered with SAFE Bar Network to launch SAFE Bar Network Türkiye in May 2023. In April 2023, 180 Brown-Forman sales team members received training at their annual sales meeting in Antalya. Brown-Forman is a major spirits company and supports both Türkiye and US operations as both a sponsor and strategic partner.
- City of New Orleans Office of Nighttime Economy (ONE)flagshipThe City of New Orleans Office of Nighttime Economy partnered with SAFE Bar Network to provide de-escalation training for nightlife establishments. Current member venues include 12 Mile Limit, The Domino, Barrel Proof, and Kajun's Pub. This partnership provides venues with certification, skills to prevent harm, and aligns with ONE's mission to strengthen nightlife infrastructure.
- Pittsburgh Office of Nighttime EconomycoreCreates safe spaces for visitors and residents of the Pittsburgh area by encouraging safe operation of food, beverage, and entertainment businesses and helping them coexist with the community.
- San Miguel Resource CentercorePartnership brings the Safe Festival Program to Telluride, Colorado. The center promotes social change through education and community awareness and advocates for individuals affected by domestic or sexual assault.
- United States Bartenders' Guild (USBG)coreA nonprofit that empowers bartenders nationwide, offering career advancement and opportunities in the pursuit of elevating the craft. Partnership supports bartender training and professional development.
- Pink Boots SocietycoreA nonprofit that inspires women and non-binary individuals to advance their careers in the fermented and alcoholic beverage industry by raising funds for educational scholarships.
- Women of the BevolutioncoreRecognizes the need for greater representation in the hospitality industry and works to create more inclusive spaces. Partner organization supporting diversity in hospitality.
- 86 HarassmentcoreAn initiative by Women of the Vine & Spirits that combats sexual harassment and gender-based violence in the beverage, alcohol, and hospitality industries. Free 24-hour helpline with trained advocates.
- CHOW (Culinary Hospitality Outreach Wellness)coreSupports hospitality workers' wellness to help improve the hospitality industry. CHOW's mission is to support the lives of food, beverage, hospitality workers through no-cost resources.
- Another Round Another RallycoreA nonprofit that provides financial and educational resources for the hospitality industry, with the goal of creating innovative and dynamic workspaces for everyone.
- Turning Tables NOLAcoreHelps Black and Brown hospitality professionals in New Orleans by providing educational tools, platforms for exposure, and mentorship opportunities.
- Spokane Cocktail WeekcoreA non-profit that provides education, support, and resources to help Pacific Northwest hospitality professionals. Partnered to bring safe nightlife training to event participants.
- LineLeapcoreSocial networking app with over 1.5 million users and 500 partnered bars. Donated $1 to SAFE Bar Network for every shirt sold during their bar crawl. Helps customers skip lines while venues enhance guest satisfaction.
- Brave Noise BeercoreAdvocates for transparency in breweries and fosters inclusive spaces for everyone in the beer industry. A global beer collaboration that partnered with SAFE Bar Network and other non-profits.
- Nantucket Business AssociationcorePartnered with SAFE Bar Network to bring training to Nantucket, Massachusetts. 10 bars including Cru, Island Kitchen, Rose and Crown, Billie's, The Pearl, Cisco Brewers, Sandbar, Queequeg's, Town, Tree Bar, and Kitty Murtagh's participated with 240 people trained.
- College Bar AlliancecoreA group of successful high-volume bars in the USA that partner with SAFE Bar Network for training and safety initiatives.
- Regarding HercoreBreaks down barriers for women entrepreneurs, specifically in the food and beverage industry. The organization has 1,000 members across the U.S.
- 24HourDallasminorA nonprofit improving Dallas's nightlife through cultural innovation, safety, and more with their three-year plan.
- Bartenders BridgeminorAnnual highlight bringing together passionate members for an intense three-day conference filled with education, networking, and fun.
- Beer & BalletminorCombines dance and beer in a unique experience, breaking traditional barriers of performance to create space for both beer lovers and dance enthusiasts.
- Breedlove Entrepreneurship CenterminorSupports entrepreneurs that are later-stage women of color who are undercapitalized.
- Madison Brooks FoundationminorProvides financial help, advocates for the safety of young girls and spreads awareness of organ donation.
- Women of the Bevolution - Bevolution Brave Voices FundcoreOffers financial aid, mental health services, job coaching and legal assistance to hospitality workers.
- Southern SmokecoreWhether there are unforeseen hardships or mental health needs, their funds and resources help hospitality workers.
- ARAR (Applications Currently Available)minorProvides applications for aid to hospitality workers experiencing hardship. ARAR will be adding more applications.
- California Restaurant AssociationminorUnites the restaurant industry by advocating, influencing legislation, supporting the community, and more.
- Northwest Arkansas Center for Sexual AssaultcorePartnered with SAFE Bar Network to provide training to local bars in Northwest Arkansas.
- Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault (WCASA)corePartnered with SAFE Bar Network and Wisconsin's Coalition Against Sexual Assault to offer bystander intervention training to alcohol-serving establishments in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
Scale indicators11 records
Recent moves9 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Safe Bar Network competitors and assessment
Company assessmentOthers
- United States Bartenders' Guild (USBG): USBG is a nonprofit association that supports bartender professional development and elevates the craft. It is an existing SAFE Bar partner but not a direct competitor — more of a complementary industry-association peer that serves the same bartender audience.
- RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network): RAINN is the largest US anti-sexual-violence organization and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline. It is a partner-adjacent peer — overlapping mission with SAFE Bar Network — but focuses on victim services and national policy rather than bar staff training.
Emerging players
- Right To Be (formerly Hollaback!): Right To Be is a nonprofit that trains bystanders to intervene in harassment in public spaces, including nightlife and transit settings. It overlaps meaningfully with SAFE Bar's bystander-intervention methodology but is broader in target environment and not specific to alcohol-serving venues.
- A Call to Men: A Call to Men trains organizations on healthy masculinity and violence prevention, including workplace and public-space harassment intervention. Its bystander and culture-change training methodology intersects with SAFE Bar's mission and represents an adjacent competitor in the broader prevention-training space.
- Green Dot Etc. Green Dot is a bystander-intervention training program that teaches communities and workplaces how to prevent violence and harassment. It competes with SAFE Bar in the broader bystander-training market and could expand into nightlife venues as the category grows.
Direct peers
- TAM (Techniques of Alcohol Management): TAM is an established alcohol management training program used by bars, restaurants, and alcohol retailers to train staff on responsible service and intervention. It is a comparable compliance-oriented training product targeting the same nightlife venue customers as SAFE Bar Network.
- ServSafe Alcohol (National Restaurant Association): ServSafe Alcohol is the dominant responsible alcohol-service certification program administered by the National Restaurant Association and widely required by state regulators. It directly competes with SAFE Bar Training for the same venue-compliance training budget and could easily add bystander modules to its existing curriculum.
- TIPS (Training for Intervention ProcedureS): TIPS is a leading alcohol server and seller training program sold to bars, restaurants, and retailers to promote responsible beverage service. It is the most direct commercial analog to SAFE Bar Training, with overlapping content on intervention, de-escalation, and over-service prevention for hospitality staff.
Regional players
- Drinkaware (UK): Drinkaware is a UK-based alcohol-harm charity funded by the drinks industry that promotes responsible drinking through education and venue partnerships. It is structurally similar to SAFE Bar Network — industry-funded, training-oriented, hospitality-targeted — but operates in the UK rather than the US market.
Broad incumbents
- Responsibility.org (Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility): Responsibility.org is a national nonprofit funded by leading distillers and suppliers to fight drunk driving and underage drinking. It shares SAFE Bar Network's beverage-industry-funded nonprofit structure and shared mission of responsible alcohol service, but operates at a broader policy level rather than training individual venues.
Market position
Strengths1 record
Weaknesses1 record
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Safe Bar Network social profiles
Digital presenceSafe Bar Network compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
Safe Bar Network financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Safe Bar Network leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles14 records
Safe Bar Network funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Safe Bar Network M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Safe Bar Network
What does Safe Bar Network do?
The SAFE Bar Network is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) that provides active bystander and de-escalation training to alcohol-serving venues (bars, restaurants, breweries, nightclubs). It delivers one-hour conversation-based training sessions on-site to help staff prevent overconsumption, harassment, and other forms of harm, while supporting workplace culture and customer retention.
Is Safe Bar Network a public or private company?
Safe Bar Network is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Safe Bar Network founded?
Safe Bar Network was founded in 2020. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Safe Bar Network based?
Safe Bar Network is headquartered in Kansas City, United States, in the North America region.
How does Safe Bar Network make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Donations are the primary driver. The others are sponsorships.
Who are Safe Bar Network's main competitors?
Others on record are United States Bartenders' Guild (USBG) and RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network). Emerging players are Right To Be (formerly Hollaback!), A Call to Men and Green Dot Etc.. Direct peers are TAM (Techniques of Alcohol Management), ServSafe Alcohol (National Restaurant Association) and TIPS (Training for Intervention ProcedureS). Drinkaware (UK) is listed as a regional player. Responsibility.org (Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility) is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does Safe Bar Network have an API?
No public API is recorded for Safe Bar Network.
What industry is Safe Bar Network in?
Safe Bar Network's product category is Hospitality Safety Training. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAKACAF, Nightclub, Bar & Entertainment Venue Security, with a secondary code of THAFAEAA, Neighborhood & Sports Bars. Its NAICS code is 722410 and its SIC code is 7900.