Nashville, TN — [12/20/2023] — In a groundbreaking initiative to prioritize safety and raise awareness, the Sexual Assault Center (SAC) is announcing today that the Jack Daniel’s New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park will be the city and state’s first Safe Bar event.
The Safe Bar program is an initiative by the Sexual Assault Center to train local bars and restaurants in bystander intervention and raise awareness about alcohol’s role in sexual assault. As part of this initiative, bartenders, security personnel and other staff at the Big Bash are undergoing comprehensive training, empowering them to identify and intervene safely in the event of sexual harassment or assault.
“The Sexual Assault Center is immensely grateful for this partnership to help us spread awareness on this crucial topic,” said Rachel Freeman, President of the Sexual Assault Center. “Together, we are fostering an environment where people can have a good time, stay safe, and contribute to a culture that prioritizes the well-being of all.”
As part of the Safe Bar program, the Big Bash will feature posters in restrooms and provide drug detection coasters at stations serving beer and other alcoholic beverages, as well as promoted in other parts of the event. These preventative resources are also available to bars, restaurants, hotels, and events that successfully complete the Safe Bar certification process.
“When we learned about the Safe Bar program, we were impressed by its mission and the strength of the program, and we wanted to be supportive,” said Deana Ivey, President and CEO, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. “By becoming the first Safe Bar event in the city and state, we hope other bars and events will learn about the program and jump on board.”
The live show for Jack Daniel’s New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park will feature GRAMMY Award-nominated Thomas Rhett, newly crowned CMA Entertainer of the Year Lainey Wilson and Rock & Roll Hall of Famers Lynyrd Skynyrd as headliners. The concert is free and open to the public.
As a live event, Big Bash will kick off at 5:10 p.m. and move into a 50-minute tribute to hip-hop’s 50th anniversary to celebrate the genre over the decades with a guest DJ set by Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell. Big Bash is partnering with the HERO (Homeless Education Resource Office) Program of Metro Nashville Public Schools to support students and their families who are experiencing homelessness.
The five-hour CBS special will air live on Sunday, Dec. 31 at 6:30 pm CT on the CBS Television Network and Paramount Keep up with new details: visitmusiccity.com/newyearseve. #NashvilleNYE
The Safe Bar program started in 2018. About 50% of all sexual assaults involve the use of alcohol or other date rape drugs by the perpetrator. To be certified as a Safe Bar, at least 50% of bar staff must go through a 1.5-hour training, which can take place in person or virtually. Certified Safe Bars are listed on the Safe Bar website. To sign up for the program and get your staff trained, visit SafeBarApp.org.
Safe Bar has worked closely with the Metro Council’s Women’s Caucus and the Public Health and Safety Committee. Last year, the Women’s Caucus presented a resolution encouraging all establishments that serve alcohol to become Safe Bar trained.
"This initiative through the Sexual Assault Center plays a vital role in not only preventing these issues, but also being a crucial resource for those who unfortunately find themselves in need.” Councilmember Joy Styles said. "This collaborative effort exemplifies a shared commitment to creating a fun and safe Nashville experience for both residents and tourists alike. The caucus is proud to be a supporter and partner of the program."
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Sexual Assault Center (SAC)
Since 1978 Sexual Assault Center has served over 35,000 survivors of sexual violence in Tennessee through immediate crisis intervention and long-term therapeutic care. We also serve the community by providing training, prevention, outreach, and implementing systemic change. To learn more visit sacenter.org and follow us on social media @NashvilleSAC.
The Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp and Visit Music City
Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. The mission of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp and Visit Music City is to maximize the economic contribution of the convention and tourism industry to the community by developing and marketing Nashville as a premier destination. Visit the NCVC’s website at visitmusiccity.com and follow us on social media @VisitMusicCity.