Carlos Ariel Then is a millennial business and finance coach and founder of Mr Then Consulting LLC. Instagram & TikTok: @mr_then.
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Since the mass shooting that took place in the Orlando nightclub Pulse in 2016—leaving 49 dead and 50 injured—clubs and other nightlife locations have become more vigilant about their security, with many implementing bag checking policies and other measures to make their venues safer. I, for one, have experienced a few scary situations, and even lost a friend to random violence at a venue that was supposed to have security but didn't. Implementing bag check policies is great, but there is still a lot to do. Night clubs run the risk of leaving gaps in their security measures that put their customers, staff and business at risk. So, what can be done to maximize a nightclub or venue’s safety?
As a business coach and founder of Knight Life Security, a private security firm, I have a few ideas on how business owners and nightlife industry leaders can improve the safety of their venues:
Use ID scanning software.
When your security staff checks hundreds or even thousands of IDs manually per night, it’s easy for them to make a mistake, whether that's accidentally letting a minor into the establishment or permitting someone to use another person’s ID.
Security services that use ID scanning software remove the possibility of human error, enabling businesses to more accurately determine if a person’s ID is real and if they’re above the age limit. As a result, the software can protect the venue from incurring fines and/or being shut down. Another benefit? The software has the capability to flag patrons that cause trouble, making it easier for security staff to avoid repeat situations.
Offer contactless payment options.
By partnering with companies that provide contactless payment solutions, companies can reduce the chance of a robbery occurring in the venue, potentially endangering the lives of nightclub goers. My company partners with Vemos, which allows customers to pay contactless with their debit/credit card, reducing the amount of paper cash on site and making the nightclub less of a target for thieves. Some other alternatives are Paypal and Apple Pay. Ever since Covid-19, these methods of payments have increased worldwide so there are a lot more options than there used to be.
Ensure security professionals are trained to deal with emergencies.
Whereas bouncers are typically hired individually and often haven’t undergone extensive security training, a security company is more likely to have been trained for emergency situations, such as fires and shootings, and may even be certified as emergency medical technicians or EMTs. If a dangerous situation does arise, these highly trained security professionals can lead the effort to de-escalate the situation and minimize any harm caused. But not all security firms are the same. Here are a few questions to ask to ensure you are getting the kind of protection you need:
1. Are you licensed and insured?
Before you work wth any company, it's important to make sure the company is properly licensed and insured. Typically, they should have at least $1 million in coverage and it should include both general liability and workmen's compensation. Otherwise, you could be left liable.
2. How are your guards trained?
Every state has its own legal requirements, and some cities do as well. So, before you hire a company, you should know what is needed and that the company offers these qualifications. For instance, in Providence, Rhode Island, where I live, security needs a "floor host" license when dealing with intoxicated patrons.
3. How do you monitor your guards?
It shouldn't be your business's responsibility to monitor the security company's employees, so making sure they have a clear and precise way to supervise guards and record their hours is very important. Knight Life provides daily end-of-day reports and a GPS clock-in to ensure accuracy.
4. What technology solutions do you offer?
Having a guard is great but additional technological tools like ID scanners, metal detectors, alarm systems and cameras are also important. For instance, if an alarm is tripped, a security guard can immediately be alerted and the situation can be contained.
5. How does your pricing work?
Once you've found a company you're willing and able to work with, you want to find out how their contracts work, if there are cancelation fees, whether there are add-ons offered and how their pricing structure works. At Knight Life, pricing is based on merit, so if a guard has more experience and capabilities—like EMT training or a license to carry—the rate will be higher than that of someone who is newer to the security industry.
Arm security professionals appropriately.
Occasionally, a situation escalates to the point that it can’t be de-escalated by simply asking the offender(s) to leave or by guiding them to the door. In these situations, it’s important to remove anyone likely to cause harm to other nightclub-goers as quickly as possible and neutralize any violent situations.
Professional security services should arm their personnel with effective non-lethal weapons that allow the security professionals to deal with a threat instantly and effectively, without causing any lasting harm. Moreover, security professionals should have access to equipment such as bulletproof vests to ensure their safety and enhance their ability to protect others in an emergency, such as a shooting or a situation where the crowd may lose control.
If you own a nightclub—or if you work in the nightlife industry—consider taking these steps to maximize the safety of your venue, allowing your clientele to enjoy their night without worry.
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