As crowds throng bars to ring in the new year, a noteworthy development in personal safety is making waves in the nightlife scene. A new mobile application, dubbed Angel Shot, is offering patrons—particularly women—a discreet method to summon aid if they find themselves in precarious situations.

The app, which operates on a simple yet effective code system, allows users to signal to bar staff that they need assistance without drawing unwanted attention. "Safety is at the heart of everything we do," James LaSalle, President of Angel Shot LLC, told PIX11. "Our app provides a simple yet powerful tool to ensure that everyone can enjoy their time out without compromising their well-being."

Co-developed by Long Islanders, the app includes multiple distress signals that range in urgency. For instance, an 'angel shot' signals mild assistance, while a 'shot with lime' prompts bar staff to call the police. Speaking with FOX 5 New York, co-developer Stephen Brennan emphasized the need for subtle communication options, saying, "Sometimes it looks like a normal conversation, and then you don't know, so I wanted a way that customers can get in touch with me."

Approximately 50 establishments have already integrated the app into their operations. The launch, which is currently on a northeast basis, has ambitions for a larger nationwide rollout. "Over 80% of women have at one point or another have felt harassed or bothered or uncomfortable in bar situations or restaurants at the bar," Jimmy LaSalle shared with FOX 5 New York, underscoring the widespread demand for such an innovative safety tool.