The Angel Shot has gained popularity on TikTok, but it is not your average cocktail. This secret drink order serves as a signal for help, alerting bartenders to situations where someone may feel unsafe. As more individuals share their experiences, the Angel Shot's significance has become a vital part of discussions around safety in social settings.
Recently, the hashtag #angelshot has seen over 143 million views on TikTok, with bartenders and content creators showcasing how this discreet signal can aid those in need. Many are raising awareness about this potentially life-saving codeword, turning it into a movement that emphasizes the importance of safety in nightlife environments.
Ben Smith, an experienced bartender, first brought attention to the Angel Shot in 2021 through a TikTok video that garnered over 2.8 million likes. He demonstrated various scenarios where customers could order an Angel Shot and explained what each type signifies, helping to educate the public on how to use this tool for their protection.
Depending on the specific type of Angel Shot ordered, bartenders are trained to respond accordingly. A neat or straight-up Angel Shot indicates that the guest needs an escort to their car, while an Angel Shot on the rocks suggests they require assistance in calling a ride home. Lastly, an Angel Shot with lime or a twist signals that the staff should call the police, allowing for a quick and effective response to a potentially dangerous situation.
As this trend continues to grow, several establishments have begun placing signage in their restrooms to inform patrons about how to order an Angel Shot discreetly. However, some bartenders express concern that increasing awareness could undermine the discreet nature of this signal. Michelle Charlotte, a bartender with millions of followers on social media, emphasizes that the essence of the Angel Shot is to ask for help without drawing attention.
“I feel like the whole point of an Angel Shot is to ask the bartender for help discreetly,” she stated in a recent TikTok video. “We’ve been publicizing it so much, making it so well known, that if somebody asks me for one, the person next to them that they’re asking help from is going to know what it is.”
Despite the concerns, many individuals have shared their gratitude for bartenders who recognize and respond to requests for Angel Shots. One user commented on how a bartender asked them if they needed an Angel Shot, which opened their eyes to this important safety measure. With statistics indicating that a significant percentage of individuals experience harassment or assault in their lifetime, the Angel Shot serves as a crucial resource in promoting safety and awareness in bars and clubs.
In the UK, a similar initiative known as “Ask For Angela” allows individuals to seek help by approaching staff and asking for “Angela” when they feel unsafe. Such initiatives highlight the need for safety measures in social environments and the importance of supporting one another in vulnerable situations.
