Nick Ursini SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) – One bar in Armory Square is taking a new step to ensure safety for their customers ahead of the upcoming school year.
The bar manager at Clinton Street Pub Deana Ososkalo said the bar is unveiling a new shot at the end of August. The customer can order the shot in case they think they are in a situation like a fight is about to happen or sexual harassment is ongoing.
“We’re going to start these new shots called angel shots,” said Ososkalo. “It is actually going to be just cranberry juice. It is not an alcoholic drink, but it is kind of like a safe word. If you need help in a situation, we will help you out of that situation.”
Ososkalo said the bartenders are trained to tell the bouncers immediately if the bartenders think a situation is about to escalate.
“Our bartenders are trained to look out for situations before they happen,” said Ososkalo. “If we feel something is off with them, we tell the bouncers immediately.”
Ososkalo says the bouncers try to calm the people down before anything occurs and they do so in a way that encourages calming behavior.
“Sometimes we see people arguing and we go up to them and say what is going on instead of saying hey stop fighting,” said Ososkalo.
Ososkalo said there is a police presence in Armory Square on the weekends.
“Especially on the weekends, police are down here just in case anything happens,” said Ososkalo. “We want to tell the students that it is safe here. They can come out, if anything does happen, even outside, cops are close by where they can get help.”
Syracuse University’s fall semester begins Aug. 26.
