"How can ladies drink alcohol safely?" - Advice from a female bartender to customers.

Thao Nguyen (24 years old, Ho Chi Minh City), a new female bartender, witnessed a female customer being repeatedly offered drinks by her male colleague. Because bartenders only intervene when requested by the customer, she could do nothing but watch. So, how can ladies drink safely when wanting to have a fun night out, and how can they ask the bartender for assistance in this situation?

Is it safe for women to drink alcohol?

Continuing the story, the male colleague became increasingly aggressive, hugging and groping the woman despite her obvious discomfort, but she was too drunk to resist. Nguyen decided to intervene but was stopped by the man, who claimed they were "close friends" and insisted that the female customer had asked him to take her home. Sensing a problem, Nguyen found an excuse to separate them by helping the female customer into the restroom. The entire bartender team had to work together to restrain the man – who was drunk and constantly shouting and smashing things – to get the female customer into a taxi. This is just one of many stories that women can encounter when entering a bar without preparing to protect themselves.

From their inception, bars were primarily men-only establishments, rarely frequented by women. Today, these businesses have evolved into diverse forms such as bars, pubs, and lounges, expanding their clientele. Gender and economic status are no longer barriers to enjoying the festivities. Many women with skills and extensive knowledge of wine are entering this market.

According to 2018 statistics from Statistics Canada, one-third of Canadian women surveyed felt unsafe in public spaces. Women are sensitive creatures. Just a strange gaze can immediately put them on alert. But sometimes, we are wary of strangers while forgetting the potential dangers from acquaintances.

So how can we stay safe?

Tuong Vy (26 years old, Ho Chi Minh City) is a female bartender with 4 years of experience. Having worked in lively bars and pubs as well as private cocktail bars, Vy has witnessed many awkward and even comical situations caused by alcohol. Using her feminine energy, Vy always strives to create a comfortable atmosphere and protect the privacy of her customers, especially female customers. Below are some tips from Vy's years as a bartender for women who want to drink safely.

Please give notice before leaving the house.

Inform your family, friends, significant other, etc., that you're going out tonight and have decided to have a drink. Send them the bar's contact information. Estimate your departure time and ask your loved ones to call you if you don't reach them. Always charge your phone before going out.

Going to a bar on an empty stomach will cause alcohol to enter your bloodstream faster and make you get drunk more easily, even more severely than usual. To avoid headaches and fatigue the next morning, you should eat a nutritious meal before drinking alcohol.

Don't ride a motorbike. Ride-hailing cars are a good option because you can send the license plate number and location to your relatives to track. Check the license plate carefully before getting in the car. Being cautious is never a bad thing.

Know your limits.

Everyone's alcohol tolerance is different. Planning your fun and knowing when to stop will help you enjoy this time even more. Remember, the sweeter the wine, the easier it is to get drunk.

Go to your usual place.

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 more easily recognize your "distress signals."

Go in groups.

People tend to feel more secure when going out in a large group. But, truly trustworthy close friends are what you need. As in the case of the "friend above," a polished appearance is sometimes just a facade. Whether you're going out for some fresh air to sober up or to use the restroom, bring a friend along. Don't go alone.

Don't drink drinks offered by strangers.

This advice, much like a mother's advice to her child, remains true in all situations. Only drink beverages offered directly by the bartender. If someone genuinely wants to offer you a drink in a polite and courteous manner, they will ask the bartender. Don't accept drinks of unknown origin out of politeness.

Be mindful of protecting your own drinks.

Keep your drinks within easy reach and sight. If you need to use the restroom before finishing your drink, ask a friend or bartender to watch your drinks for you. Bartenders can only assist you if requested. Immediately alert the bartender if you feel disturbed.

And most importantly...

Trust your intuition. If you feel uneasy entering a space, leave immediately. Women go out for drinks to enjoy themselves and relax. The wine only tastes good when you feel the atmosphere is meant for you.

An Dao