NEW ORLEANS — The City of New Orleans Office of Nighttime Economy (O.N.E.) is encouraging bars, music venues, restaurants, breweries, and other nightlife businesses to participate in SAFE Bar Network’s free training and certification program for hospitality workers.
Designed specifically for nightlife and hospitality settings, SAFE Bar Network training covers active-bystander intervention, conflict de-escalation, harassment prevention, and workplace culture. Trainings are provided on-site at participating venues, can accommodate teams of any size, and are offered at no cost to businesses.
To highlight the program’s local impact, SAFE Bar Network has produced a video featuring New Orleans hospitality professionals and community partners discussing how proactive safety training can help create safer, more welcoming nightlife environments. Watch the New Orleans spotlight video here.
SAFE Bar Network currently has 24 active member businesses in New Orleans. During the first half of 2026, the organization trained teams at 10 local venues, equipping 152 hospitality professionals with active-bystander and de-escalation skills. SAFE Bar Network estimates that these trained teams will collectively serve more than 265,000 patrons during the year. Learn more about SAFE Bar Network’s local and national impact in its Q1 and Q2 2026 impact report.
“Providing no-cost violence de-escalation training for nightlife venues is a no-brainer and sends a clear message that a business values safety for all and is willing to cultivate an environment where safety, respect, and community are a priority,” said Michael Ince, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Nighttime Economy.
The program is designed specifically for nightlife and hospitality businesses and focuses on giving employees practical tools to identify concerning situations, intervene appropriately, support coworkers, and help prevent incidents before they escalate. Participating venues also receive SAFE Bar certification and become part of a growing national network of hospitality businesses committed to safety, professionalism, and positive customer experiences.
The Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office has expressed support for efforts that provide prevention-focused resources and training opportunities to hospitality businesses.
“Sustainable public safety cannot rest solely on the shoulders of police officers and prosecutors,” said District Attorney Jason Williams. “If we are serious about reducing crime over the long term, we must move beyond a model that only reacts to violence after it occurs and invest in one that prevents it from happening in the first place. That requires an all-hands-on-deck approach that mobilizes government, businesses, community organizations, and residents as partners in public safety.”
SAFE Bar Network trainings complement other safety and workforce support initiatives led by the Office of Nighttime Economy, including harm reduction education, hospitality worker transportation support, sound management resources, and business support programs.
Nightlife businesses interested in participating can contact the Office of Nighttime Economy to learn more about scheduling a training for their staff.