Safety when dates shoot for the angels

13 January 2017 - 09:00 By AZIZZAR MOSUPI
subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now
SECRET SOCIETY: Hooters waitress Jade Hammond and barman Matthew Smith point out a sign in the female bathroom giving young women a code word to use to staff or if they need help from the barman if a date is going wrong
SECRET SOCIETY: Hooters waitress Jade Hammond and barman Matthew Smith point out a sign in the female bathroom giving young women a code word to use to staff or if they need help from the barman if a date is going wrong
Image: EUGENE COETZEE

Forget the fake phone call through an app or from your bestie, the latest get-out-of-a-hellish-date-free card is in the form of an Angel Shot.

The trend, which originated in the UK, has now reached South Africa and helps you get out of a seriously sticky situation.

An angel shot is a nonexistent drink that serves as a code to get you away from your companion for reasons ranging from just being bored to feeling in danger.

Trendy restaurant and bar Hooters implemented the emergency shot plan after a Twitter tagged the chain in a picture of a poster detailing what it entails.

If you order the angel shot "neat" the bartender will escort you to your vehicle when you want to leave.

If you order the shot "on ice", they will call you an Uber cab.

If you order the shot "with lime", they will call the police on your behalf.

"We got the image and discussed it in our WhatsApp group and actioned it immediately.

"We strive for the safety of our patrons, especially our female patrons," said Hooters marketing manager Roger Mason.

Hooters in Port Elizabeth has now opted to actually create the shot for situations where women have ordered it and the bartender or waitress needs some more time to assist.

"Starting yesterday we will actually have a non-alcoholic or cordial shot of that name to send to the table when it's ordered," explained Donovan Noyle, general manager of the Hooters branch in Port Elizabeth.

Social media users have had mixed reactions to the idea.

@LilCapricoon tweeted: "That angel shot thing is really cool and good but I'm pissed off that it's even necessary."

@ZeliteDestiny tweeted: "Of course it's awful that it's needed. That's a given. But awful men won't ever stop being a thing."

News Café brand manager Virona Singh said it was a great idea and that "it's something we are definitely looking into".

Marike Keller, policy development and advocacy co-ordinator at Sonke Gender Justice, said that in her opinion the initiative would be "ineffective".

"I think the option of an angel shot at a bar or restaurant can create an initial sense of safety for women.

"Our goal should be to live in a world free from violence and fear , so that initiatives such as the angel shot are no longer necessary," she said .

subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now