Savannah Smiles Dueling Pianos, Savannah’s premier entertainment venue featuring live entertainers and dueling pianos, is hosting bystander intervention training from SAFE Bar Network on Saturday, November 8 at 4 pm at 314 Williamson Street.

“The Safe Bar Network trains employees to be vigilant and how to use active bystander skills to prevent overconsumption and several forms of harassment amongst patrons. Since Savannah Smiles is one of the busiest bars and tourist destinations in the entire Savannah area, I felt it was important to be the first bar in the area to institute their system and protocols to help keep our guests safe,” states Savannah Smiles co-owner Greg Lard.

“We often have upwards of 2,000 visitors per weekend, both locals and tourists and frequently our staff members are the only ones to interact with a guest outside of their hotels. I’m always looking for ways to make Savannah Smiles and our Historic District as safe as possible for everyone who comes to visit, from Savannah natives to international guests, and this is just one more opportunity to raise awareness and expertise of my staff,” adds Lard.

The training conversation is facilitated by Chikara Hibino with the SAFE Bar Network, a national nonprofit focused on partnering with bars and other alcohol-serving venues to increase safety. Savannah Smiles Dueling Pianos employees are participating in the training session to put a renewed focus on creating a workplace culture focused on preventing harm.

The SAFE Bar Network training conversation focuses on teaching the employees of bars and other alcohol serving venues the skills to notice uncomfortable and unsafe behavior, interrupt effectively, and create an environment where everyone is focused on a fun, safe night out.

As a result of training, 97% of participants know at least one skill that they will use to increase safety and prevent harm. Haleigh Harrold, Executive Director at the SAFE Bar Network says, “The training goes beyond individual active bystander skills and focuses on teaching the staff at bars, restaurants, and nightclubs how to have an ongoing conversation about noticing concerning behavior, interrupting effectively, and providing each other support.”