Safe Bar Helps Hospitality Workers Notice the Warning Signs of Sexual Assault
“Sinema, a restaurant and bar known for its Bottomless Brunch, is a destination for groups looking for a good time, as well as for folks on a first date looking for a more intimate setting. Carly Houison, Sinema’s general manager, believes sexual assault is a citywide issue that needs to be addressed, and that hospitality workers are qualified to help.
“There is this giant drinking culture here,” Houison says. “This is a destination centered around drinking. My bartenders are incredible at hearing seven conversations at once. The servers are looking out for sections other than their own.” She says that, in the past, Sinema staff has helped get inebriated guests away from friends who didn’t appear to be looking out for them, or helped them get home in a Lyft. The Eighth Avenue restaurant and bar has a good relationship with Berry Hill police, and Houison says they respond quickly when the bar needs help. Houison has done much of this training on her own, and now plans to enroll in the Safe Bar program.”