At the beginning of summer, a safety memorandum was signed in Vilnius between the municipality, the Vilnius Night Office, and 27 nightlife venues — marking an important step toward creating a safer and more inclusive nighttime environment in the city. By signing the memorandum, the parties committed to cooperation, active responses to emerging risks, strengthening prevention, implementing harm reduction measures, and changing practices that may threaten visitor safety.
One of the memorandum’s most important outcomes is the newly developed nightlife safety standard. The standard defines the essential measures and actions related to creating a safe environment: rules of conduct for visitors and staff, communication principles, employee preparedness and internal communication channels, the role and response procedures of security staff, assistance in incident situations, harm reduction measures, responses to sexual violence and harassment, and incident reporting procedures. The safety standard can be accessed here. In order to help venues comply with the standard, supporting tools and materials were developed to make implementation of its requirements easier.
As part of the memorandum’s implementation, two meetings were organised with representatives of nightlife venues. During these meetings, participants discussed what additional measures venues may need, how the implementation of the memorandum’s provisions is progressing, and which solutions could be developed collaboratively. Existing initiatives and informational materials were also reintroduced during the sessions.
A new informational poster was also presented, encouraging visitors to seek help from staff by using the code phrase “Angel Shot.” This internationally recognised method allows people in vulnerable situations to discreetly ask bartenders for assistance.
Following the signing of the memorandum, nightlife venues continue to receive awareness-raising posters, drink coasters, and drink covers aimed at improving visitor safety and awareness. Venues are also provided with consultations to support team preparedness and assist with the practical implementation of safety measures. It has been observed that after signing the memorandum, nightlife venues have become more proactive in seeking consultations and more open in sharing experiences.
We are pleased that the implementation of the memorandum has not only united the participating venues, but has also sparked interest from other nightlife spaces — we are already receiving inquiries about joining the memorandum, while engagement and cooperation with the Vilnius Night Office continues to grow.
