Honest question about Central Station and the Foam Party

I am a straight male but a friend/ally to the LGBTQ+ community. I even enjoy attending some of the drag shows from time to time. Most of the ones I have been to were in Monroe or at the Korner Bar, though.

I have only been to Central once with a Gay friend of mine years ago, over 15 years probably. But he advised me that if I want to go back, it would be best if I went with him or with another Gay friend of mine, only use the downstairs bathroom, only order bottled beer, and watch the bartender open my beer. I had no reason to doubt him at the time, so I didn't, and we had a great night. Unfortunately, he is in the process of moving to a different state now, so he can't go with me anymore.

Well, I see that Central is having a foam party tonight, I believe, and I'm interested in going but I'm curious if my friend was pulling my leg or if he was serious about all those “rules/guidelines”.

Can anyone let me know if it was like that back then but safer now or has it always been safe and he was just messing with me?