Bars in Manhattan are taking proactive steps to ensure the safety of their patrons with the launch of a new accreditation and training program called Village Safe Spot. This initiative, spearheaded by the Greenwich Village-Chelsea Chamber of Commerce, aims to address the rising concerns of crime in the local cocktail scene.
According to Jesse Gericke, the executive director of the chamber of commerce, the program will focus on implementing safety protocols to prevent incidents such as pickpocketing and robberies. Participating bars and restaurants will receive accreditations based on their expertise in areas such as crowd control, de-escalation, overdose response, accurate liquor pours, and incident reporting.
The training program, which can be completed in just a few hours, will review existing policies and provide guidance on enhancing safety measures. Nightlife management trainings conducted by Safe Night LLC will be available to businesses in Greenwich Village, Chelsea, Soho, Noho, Union Square, Flatiron, and Nomad.
Since the program’s launch, over a dozen businesses have shown interest in participating, with some already undergoing training sessions. This initiative comes at a crucial time as concerns over late-night thefts have been on the rise in Greenwich Village. With robberies up 1% and misdemeanor assaults up 9% citywide, the need for improved safety measures is evident.
Bar managers and staff have expressed their support for the Village Safe Spot program, recognizing the importance of prioritizing the safety of their patrons. Angela, a manager at Blue Haven, highlighted the post-COVID safety concerns and the increase in street activity that has raised alarms among bar owners and patrons.
The accreditation is seen as a positive step towards enhancing safety and attracting more business to the area. The neighborhood has been particularly vulnerable to thefts, with incidents of pickpocketing reported at various establishments. The recent high-profile robberies involving moped-riding thieves targeting patrons further underscore the need for improved security measures.
Greenwich Village was chosen as the pilot location for the program due to its concentration of nightlife businesses. By equipping establishments with the necessary tools and training, the Village Safe Spot program aims to create a safer environment for patrons to enjoy their night out without the fear of becoming targets of crime.
