Removing Harassment from Hospitality, One Shift at a Time
- 4 hours ago
- 3 min read
In hospitality, the word 86 is familiar. It’s a understood instantly behind the bar as a directive to get rid of something. With 86 Harassment, it’s a clear and collective message: to remove harassment of any kind from the alcohol, alternative beverage, and hospitality industries.
Created by Women of the Vine & Spirits (WOTVS), 86 Harassment emerged from a moment that began across the wine, beer, and spirits industries in 2020. As conversations around accountability and safety intensified, WOTVS recognized a critical gap: many businesses—especially small, independent bars and restaurants—lacked access to practical tools, training, and HR support needed to address harassment effectively.
After launching an industry-wide Pledge of Commitment to End Sexual Harassment in Beverage Alcohol and receiving more than 1,000 signatures in its first week, it became clear that education and action needed to go further. With early funding and strategic guidance from Pernod Ricard North America, alongside support from the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States and Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America, 86 Harassment officially launched in March 2024.
“At its core, 86 Harassment is about providing guidance and resources to all employers, regardless of size,” explains Michelle Cubbon, Associate General Counsel at Pernod Ricard North America. “It also provides resources for victims so they may be supported and understand their options to report harassment.”
Designed as a free, industry-wide initiative, 86 Harassment offers a comprehensive, prevention- focused approach. Its standalone platform includes expert-led training sessions from organizations like RAINN, Safe Bars Inc., and Safe Bar Network, covering bystander intervention, boundary setting, de-escalation, and active allyship. A 24/7 confidential hotline and chat, operated by RAINN, provides crisis support in English and Spanish, while a centralized digital resource hub offers downloadable tools, posters, and educational materials in multiple languages.
"THIS INITIATIVE IS ABOUT MORE THAN POLICY... IT’S ABOUT CREATING A CULTURE WHERE EVERYONE FEELS SAFE, RESPECTED, AND EMPOWERED."
“Sexual harassment has absolutely no place in our industry,” says Chris Swonger, President & CEO of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States. “We are fully invested in this work to provide best-in-class prevention and response education and to help build an industry that is safe, open, and inclusive for all.”
For bar owners and managers, the path forward can be impactful with just a few proactive steps. Creating clear communication channels, encouraging team- wide training, and modeling respectful behavior all play a critical role. For bartenders and servers, the training emphasizes real-world scenarios, empowering them with in-the-moment strategies such as distraction, direct intervention, or safely seeking backup.
“Empowering victims starts with recognizing their voices and turning compassion into action,” says Catherine Eaton, Vice President of Finance and Operations at Spirits Canada. “Through the meaningful work of 86 Harassment, the industry is creating a future where support leads to change.”
Already, the program is reshaping how businesses approach safety. Small operators now have access to the same resources as major corporations, while larger organizations are integrating the training into existing culture and compliance efforts.
“This initiative is about more than policy—it’s about protecting people,” says Melissa Linehan, Northeast Region President at RNDC and a founding member of the 86 Harassment Council. “It’s about creating a culture where everyone feels safe, respected, and empowered.”
Leah Kelly, Manager, Global Alcohol Responsibility, Brown-Forman Corporation, adds "Brown-Forman and our brands recognize our unique role in cultivating safe and enjoyable environments for consumers and hospitality members, that’s why we proudly support industry platforms like 86 Harassment. By increasing access to education and resources for hospitality members were able to ensure that a safe night out is the norm, and the expectation."
Looking ahead, 86 Harassment envisions a unified industry where prevention is the standard—not the exception. As Deborah Brenner, Founder & CEO of Women of the Vine & Spirits, puts it: “86 Harassment was built by the industry, for the industry.”
Because hospitality thrives on connection and connection can only exist where respect and safety come first.
For more information or to learn how to get involved, visit www.86harassment.com or contact info@86harassment.com.
