Ensuring the safety and well-being of bar patrons is a top concern and objective for owners of bars and restaurants. A violent incident spurred on by an over-indulgence in alcohol may lead to several negative consequences, including injury, damage, and a poor reputation.
Stopping all possibilities of violence is not feasible, but there are some simple steps that bar owners can take to make their establishment a safer place. Preventative measures are the best approach to avoid loss, bad publicity, and fewer patrons. Of course, when something does go wrong, all bar owners should have restaurant insurance or a special kind of bar insurance to provide liability coverage to protect against financial loss.
Know what advice to give when your clients ask. How do you ensure safety in a bar? The first step is to have your client establish bar policies. Additionally, these should outline acceptable practices and give instructions on handling stressful situations. All employees must know emergency actions and alcohol-serving limits and access essential contact numbers quickly.
Bar security is essential to the safety of patrons and the establishment itself. Having someone at the door to check identification and refuse entry if needed. Security can provide extra sets of eyes to watch customers and step in to stop harassment, fights, or other issues.
Intoxicated people can become hostile quickly. Every bar should have both physically and mentally strong staff enough to intervene early to keep patrons safe and keep the peace before an incident escalates.
Your client's bar must use appropriate lighting and a thoughtful layout. Dark bars disorient customers, especially with the accompaniment of loud music and conversations. Good lighting reduces the chance of patrons falling or accidentally running into someone and causing a fight to start. Space out tables and chairs so there is room to walk between them without tripping.
Keeping customers safe at the bar includes monitoring alcohol consumption. Likewise, your client must adhere to policy and refuse service to visibly intoxicated people. Patrons with too much to drink are at a higher risk of involvement in an accident or violent altercation.
When a patron becomes violent, they could refuse to leave the premises or pose a threat to others. In these instances, the local police should intervene. Bar owners can benefit from building a positive relationship with law enforcement so they can contact them when the bar needs backup. Additionally, not every bar fight or accident is preventable. Ensure your client's restaurant insurance policy is up-to-date and provides the proper coverage.
Bars are great places to unwind and have a drink with friends. However, patrons that don't feel secure will not continue to provide business. If your client wants a successful bar, they must stay vigilant regarding patron safety. These simple measures keep patrons healthy and lower the risk of damage or financial liability from an accident.
At RMS Hospitality Group, our expertly crafted policies are written specifically for the hospitality industry. We offer custom tailored solutions to meet any venue's specific needs. For more information, contact our knowledgeable experts today at (888) 359-8390.
At RMS and associated firms, business continues as usual. Our staff is remote-capable and available to handle all partners, brokers, and insureds at the present time.
