Empire Control Room & Garage

Texas Activists Enlist Bartenders in the Fight Against Drug Overdoses | Eater Houston

"An Austin music venue that has expressed interest in a volunteer harm-reduction group's formal training for bartenders and service staff. The program covers recognizing and responding to overdoses (including how to obtain and administer naloxone/Narcan), supportive steps to take while the medication works, safe de-escalation, and removing visible paraphernalia before seeking emergency help — all framed within broader harm-reduction principles and as a complement to standard Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission training. The venue's engagement reflects an awareness that bars and clubs are hotspots for substance use and that trained staff can help prevent overdose deaths despite legal and practical obstacles in Texas, such as restrictive paraphernalia laws and concerns about police involvement." - Brittanie Shey