A bar in the U.K. is getting a ton of attention online for its genius way of helping customers get away from a scary or weird Tinder date.
James Hanning is the owner of The Brickyard in St. Albans, England. He told BuzzFeed News the sign is a "natural progression" of how the bar tries to treat its customers.
Hanning said his bar and its sister bar, The Sunrunner, have made it their policy to look out for women who may be in an uncomfortable situation.
"We have always trained the team to be additionally watchful of groups of women to ensure that anyone approaching them was welcome, and we'd discreetly ask someone in the group if they were happy and intervene when necessary," he said.
As online dating sites like Tinder have become more and more popular, Hanning said his managers have been fielding questions from women about their dates.
He said two of his managers told him recently that two separate women had asked them if they had thought their Tinder dates looked like their photos.
"They were lighthearted conversations, but we realized there was a potential for discomfort and thought that a discreet sign would help give dates the confidence to ask for assistance if things weren't going well," he said.
So, The Brickyard decided to install a sign in its women's bathroom, telling customers they have a strategy for them if they need to get out of a bad date. It reads:
Tinder date gone wrong? Doesn't look like his picture, or just plain weird?
If you're on a date and it's not going well, come to the bar and ask for Rachelle or Jennifer and we'll get you out of it and/or get you a taxi. Your safety and happiness is our highest priority. If anyone is bothering you or making you feel uncomfortable please tell us. We will discreetly move them away, and if necessary ask them to leave. The Brickyard is safe and fun, we want you to enjoy your time here. Talk to us and we'll sort it out :)
The sign was soon posted online on websites like Imgur and praised by many as a brilliant idea.
Love this sign posted at a bar! We have such respect for businesses that are actively concerned with women's safety
Hanning said he had no idea the "discreet" sign would end up being so public, but he's happy to have started a conversation about dating safety.
"The forums have been fantastic at promoting the idea that all hospitality venues should pick up on this," he said.
The staff has also listened to suggestions that they make the sign gender-neutral, replacing the "his" with "their." Hanning said they have now placed a sign in the men's room as well.
"It transpires men (and indeed dates of all orientation) are all too often faced with a very similar dilemma/awkwardness and crying out for a 'get out of jail free card,'" he said.
Hanning said he hopes the sign will spark a conversation in the hospitality industry about taking this idea "seriously."
"Internet dating has surged in popularity," he said, "and there appears, from the global interest, to be some nervousness and vulnerability."