Thao Nguyen (24 years old, Ho Chi Minh City), a new bartender, witnessed a female customer being repeatedly offered drinks by her male colleague. Because the bartender's rule is to only intervene when the customer requests it, she could do nothing but watch. So how can a lady drink safely when she wants to have a fun night out and how can she ask the bartender for help in this situation?
Is it safe for ladies to drink alcohol?
Continuing the story, the male colleague continued to hug and touch her, even though the girl was clearly uncomfortable but too drunk to protest. Nguyen decided to intervene but was stopped by the man, saying that the two were "close friends" and asserting that the female customer had asked him to take her home. Realizing that there was a problem, Nguyen found an excuse to separate the two by helping the female customer to the toilet. The entire bartender team had to coordinate to restrain the man - who was drunk and constantly yelling and smashing things - to get the female customer into a taxi. That is just one of many stories that women can encounter when entering a bar without preparing measures to protect themselves.
Thao Nguyen is preparing drinks for guests. Photo: N5 SaiGon
Since its inception, bars have been a place for men and women rarely entered. Nowadays, bars have started to develop more types of businesses such as bars, pubs, lounges... and expanded their customer base. Gender and economic conditions are no longer barriers to people from having fun. Many female faces with skills and rich knowledge about wine have started to enter this market.
According to 2018 statistics from Statistics Canada, 1/3 of Canadian women interviewed felt unsafe in public spaces. Women are sensitive creatures. Just feeling an unusual gaze will immediately make them alert. But sometimes, we are wary of outsiders and forget the potential dangers from acquaintances.
Cocktail bars, which give you a private space, are very popular. Photo: N5 SaiGon
So how to be safe?
Tuong Vy (26 years old, Ho Chi Minh City) is a female bartender with 4 years of experience. Going from bustling pubs to private cocktail bars, Vy has witnessed many funny and sad situations due to the effects of alcohol. Using her feminine energy, Vy always tries to create a comfortable atmosphere and protect the privacy of customers. Especially female customers. Below are Vy's experiences after many years of working as a bartender to send to women who want to drink safely.
Please give notice before leaving home.
Tell your family, friends, significant other, etc. that you are going out tonight and have decided to have a few drinks. Send them the bar information. Set a time to leave and tell them to call you if you don't reach them. Always charge your phone before you go out.
Going to a bar on an empty stomach will cause alcohol to enter your bloodstream faster and you will get drunk more easily, even more heavily than usual. For a headache-free morning, you should eat a nutritious diet before drinking alcohol.
Don’t ride a motorbike. Ride-hailing is a good option because you can send the license plate number and location to your loved ones. Check the license plate number before getting in. It’s never too late to be safe.
Advice from Tuong Vy: the sweeter the wine, the easier it is to get drunk. Photo: N5 SaiGon
Know your limits
Everyone has a different tolerance for alcohol. Having a plan for your drinking and knowing when to stop will help you enjoy your time better. Remember that the sweeter the wine, the easier it is to get drunk.
Come to the usual shop
You should choose a space that suits you and become a regular at that bar. A familiar bartender will help you pay attention to your surroundings and will be able to recognize your "sOS signals" more easily.
Go in groups
People tend to feel more secure in a group. But, it's the close friends you truly trust that matter. As with the "friend above," good looks can sometimes be just a facade. Whether you're going out to get some fresh air or need to use the restroom, bring a friend along. Don't go it alone.
Don't drink from strangers
The same advice that a mother gives to her child is true in all situations. Only drink drinks that are offered to you by the bartender himself. If the other person really wants to serve you a drink in a civilized and polite manner, he will ask the bartender. Don't accept drinks of unknown origin out of courtesy.
Play responsibly. Especially at bars. Photo: N5 SaiGon
Be conscious of protecting your drinks.
Keep your drink within reach and sight. If you need to go to the restroom before finishing your drink, ask a friend or bartender to watch your drink. Bartenders can only help you if asked. Alert the bartender immediately if you feel disturbed.
And most importantly
Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable entering a space, leave immediately. Women go drinking to enjoy and relax. The wine is only good when you feel the atmosphere is for you.
