A new sign has appeared across Vilnius nightlife, helping visitors identify venues that consistently implement measures designed to improve their safety. The first “Safer Here” signs have been awarded to nightlife venues actively fulfilling the commitments set out in the Safety Memorandum signed in 2025. This year, another 17 venues joined the memorandum, bringing the total number of signatories to 42.
The “Safer Here” sign is awarded to signatory venues that have implemented specific safety measures. The aim is for the sign to become a recognisable signal that a venue gives ongoing attention to safety: staff strengthen their skills, incident response procedures are in place, harm reduction and sexual violence prevention measures are implemented, and the team knows how to respond when someone needs help.
“Nightlife is an important part of Vilnius’s culture and urban identity, so we care not only about its vibrancy and diversity, but also about how people feel when taking part in it. The ‘Safer Here’ sign shows visitors that a particular venue takes safety seriously and invests in it as part of its everyday operations. We want this approach to become a standard of quality in Vilnius nightlife rather than an exception,” says Vilnius Mayor Valdas Benkunskas.
The sign represents preparedness, not a promise of complete safety
The “Safer Here” sign does not guarantee that an incident will never occur at a participating venue. Its purpose is to show that the venue is prepared to reduce risks, prevent incidents and respond appropriately when someone needs help.
To receive the sign, venues must fulfil the commitments set out in the memorandum. The assessment covers staff participation in training, visitor education, safety and harm reduction measures, staff preparedness to respond to high-risk situations, internal procedures, and the implementation of other measures included in the Nightlife Safety Standard.
“Safety is not something that can be achieved once and simply ticked off a list. It is an ongoing process involving staff preparedness, clear procedures, the ability to recognise a high-risk situation, and knowing what to do when someone needs help. The ‘Safer Here’ sign therefore does not mean that nothing bad can ever happen at a venue. It means that the venue approaches safety responsibly and is practically prepared to act,” says Laura Vaišnorė, Director of the Vilnius Night Office.
The first “Safer Here” signs were awarded to 15 Vilnius nightlife venues: Elastica, Gringo, InVino, Kernagis Bar, Loftas, Lukiškės Prison 2.0, Mello, Nomads, Pianoman, Plus Plus Plus, Portobello, Sparta, The Bubbles. Champaneria, Utopija and Gallery 1986.
From a shared commitment to specific safety practices
In 2025, the Safety Memorandum brought together Vilnius City Municipality, the Vilnius Night Office and the city’s nightlife venues with a shared objective: to create a safer nightlife environment through a systematic approach.
By signing the memorandum, venues committed to strengthening the safety of visitors and staff, applying prevention and harm reduction principles, maintaining zero tolerance for sexual harassment and violence, and responding appropriately to high-risk situations. Venues receive consultations and methodological support, priority access to staff training, and access to the Nightlife Safety Standard and practical resources.
During the first year of the memorandum’s implementation, venues showed growing interest in training and consultations, introduced prevention and harm reduction measures more actively, and strengthened cooperation. The introduction of the “Safer Here” signs marks the next stage in implementing the memorandum, helping visitors identify venues where the agreed safety principles are consistently put into practice.
Another 17 venues join the memorandum
A further 17 Vilnius nightlife venues joined the initiative during an additional signing of the Safety Memorandum: Anna Mesha Butas, Bitc, Bukowski Baras, Devyni Nulis, Draugų Vardai, Estradà, Kablys, Kostmosas, Peronas, San Diego, Smagus Raugas, Tamsta Club, The Usual, Vanagai, Vijokliai, Youngs Club and Who Hit John.
They joined the venues that signed the memorandum in 2025: Alchemikas, Bardakas, The Bubbles. Champaneria, Dėvėti, Dūmų Fabrikas, Elastica, Estafetė, Gringo, InVino, Kernagis Bar, Loftas, Lukiškės Prison 2.0, Mello, Monstro Pizza Bar, Nick and Nora, Nijinsky III, Nomads, Pianoman, Plus Plus Plus, Portobello, Sanatorija, Sparta, ŠMC Café, Utopija and Gallery 1986.
A total of 42 Vilnius nightlife venues have now signed the Safety Memorandum.
