Trio of local bars participate in Raising the Bar Indiana

Three local restaurants are going above and beyond to keep patrons safe.

This week, staff at Tap House 24, Wasser Brewing Co. and the Fluttering Duck are all participating in Raise the Bar Indiana training, an innovative program that teaches servers, bartenders and other staff at alcohol-serving establishments how to safely and effectively intervene if they see the potential for violence. These businesses have not had a problem, and they are being proactive to make sure they never do.

Staff will learn a technique called bystander intervention, and research shows that it is an effective tool in preventing violence. Participants will also learn three ways to handle a potentially violent situation: Direct (approach one or both parties), distract (create a diversion) or delegate (get someone else who can help).

“There are a few bystander intervention programs,” Rachel Jern, prevention specialist with Family Support Services, said. “This is one specific one that’s targeted at the bar and restaurant environment. Sexual assault happens in all kinds of places to all kinds of people, but a large percentage who were assaulted, there was some kind of alcohol involved.”

Others can show their support for this violence prevention program by taking part in the Mini Pub Crawl set for Tuesday, April 25, from 7-10 p.m. at the Fluttering Duck, Wasser Brewing Co. and Tap House 24. Those who visit all three locations can enter to win a prize package valued at $100.

Raise the Bar Indiana was developed last year by Alternatives Inc., a social service agency in central Indiana. Its hope is to spread the program across the state, and Putnam County will be one of the first to implement the program.

Local funding for Raise the Bar Indiana was provided by a United Way grant, and the project is organized by Putnam County Family Support Services and Mental Health America of Putnam County.

For more information about Raise the Bar Indiana, or to schedule training for your bar or restaurant (or any business serving alcohol), contact Family Support Services at 653-4820 or Mental Health America at 653-3310.