The Arizona Safer Bars Alliance (ASBA) is a statewide initiative of the Arizona Department of Health Services and The University of Arizona. The free five-hour Safer Bars patron safety training teaches bar staff to safely and effectively respond to sexual aggression.

Help make your bar a fun and safe environment for your patrons. Learn more about this initiative and how to become a safer bar.

ASBA bars participate in two sexual assault prevention events every year
to show their commitment to community safety.

Information for Patrons

Have you noticed Arizona Safer Bars Alliance (ASBA) posters or window clings in bars in your town, and you’re wondering what they mean?
Here is an overview of how ASBA bars are doing to improve patron safety:

  • The majority (70%) of their staff have taken our 5-hour training. During this training, they learn about the difference between flirting and sexual aggression, how to read body language cues to detect sexual aggression, and ways to safely intervene to de-escalate situations so that they are less likely to lead to a sexual assault.
  • Bars have to undergo training every year to keep their membership in the Alliance. Every year, trained staff go through a 2-hour refresher training, new staff go through the full 5-hour training.
  • ASBA bars conduct a risk assessment and make an action plan for their establishment. They have assessed their physical indoor and outdoor spaces, as well as their bar policies, to determine how they can create a safer drinking space.
  • ASBA bars participate in two sexual assault prevention events every year to show their commitment to community safety.
  • They display a window cling and ASBA posters in their establishment to let patrons know that if they are being bothered by another patron, the staff are there to help. In other words, ‘help is on the house.’
Want to bring ASBA training to a bar in your area?

Here’s what you can do:

  • Next time you go to the bar, ask the staff or manager if they have been trained in Safer Bars. If not, let them know that this training is important to you as a patron. Ask your friends to do the same.
  • Let staff or managers at the bar know that they can request information and training from us through the contact form right here on our website!

The Arizona Safer Bars Alliance (ASBA) purpose is to reduce sexual aggression in alcohol-serving establishments.

By joining ASBA and having your staff trained in observation and intervention techniques, your establishment is taking a stand to have a bar where patrons can have fun in a safe environment.

ASBA was designed with direct input from bar owners in Arizona
to meet the needs of their establishments and patrons.

Arizona Safer Bars Alliance: Working to Prevent Sexual Assault

Become a Member!

Interested in Receiving Training to Be Part of the Arizona Safer Bars Alliance (ASBA) Membership?

Our team can travel to your establishment or a location in your vicinity where you and/or your bar staff can participate in two 2½-hour sexual violence prevention training sessions, learn valuable skills, and earn ASBA membership.

Membership is Free!

ASBA Membership Requires the Following:

  • Two 2 1/2 hour staff training in sexual violence prevention with the Safer Bars curriculum
  • Display of ASBA posters and promotional materials
  • Participation in community efforts to promote sexual violence prevention
  • Annual 2-hour renewal refresher course

ASBA Trainees Will:

  • Gain foundational knowledge of sexual violence/aggression
  • Review basic Arizona liquor licensing regulations
  • Refi ne their observation abilities by analyzing body language
  • Examine effective intervention strategies
  • Conduct risk assessments of their alcohol-serving establishments
  • Discuss the development of house policies that reduce sexual aggression

Once 70% of your staff that interacts with patrons is trained, your business will receive ASBA window clings, posters, and ongoing support in preventing sexual violence. Establishments receive a one-year ASBA Membership window/door cling that will be renewed annually as new staff members are trained and previously-trained staff members participate in a 2-hour refresher meeting.

Why Should You Become a Member?
  • ASBA was designed with direct input from bar owners in Arizona to meet the needs of their establishments and patrons
  • ABSA is part of a national prevention initiative funded by the Centers for Disease Control and administered by Arizona Department of Health Services
  • Training, evaluation, fidelity monitoring and technical assistance is provided by the University of Arizona to ensure an effective curriculum is delivered to establishments in Flagstaff, Phoenix and Tucson
  • Being an ASBA Member means you are recognized in your community has having a commitment to patron safety
  • As a result of completing the training, you may reduce your risk for liability by increasing safety for your patrons
Become a Member