Closing a rural bar alone can be a dangerous time for a female bartender.
Bar owners suggest no one ever close alone, saying at least try to have a friend wait at the end of the bar until you leave.
When that isn't possible, bartenders need to use common sense to prevent a dangerous situation.
All doors should be locked at bar time, and bartenders should call the police or the owner if they feel threatened.
Rusty's Backwater Saloon near Stevens Point doesn't allow women to close alone. It's bar policy that a male must be present at closing.
The owner believes this deters any violent action.
