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Avoid Common Mistakes
When venues and bouncers don't understand or don't follow the law, legal trouble can quickly arise from arrests or from civil lawsuits. Here are just a few of the more common mistakes to learn to avoid.
Mistake #1: Don't Eject Both Parties When A Fight Breaks Out in the Bar.
What You Should Do: Since your priority must be to keep all of the guests safe, both inside and outside of the establishment, you should avoid kicking out all involved fighting guests at the same time. When we do this, the fight just continues outside and you still place yourself at terrible risk. Instead whenever it is possible, quickly decide who is the “primary” aggressor is and attempt to remove them first. Keep the other combatants inside of the establishment until the aggressor has completely vacated the area. This not only is smart, it is also the industry standard for dealing fights. This practice gives you the best chance to ensure that the fight does not continue and that you do not put other employees or patrons in danger.
Mistake #2: Expect Bad Behavior.
What You Should Do: Understanding your guests and expecting them to conduct themselves in an unacceptable manner can truly keep you out of trouble. Often times, bouncers forget some basic facts, and when things get heated, they over-react to behavior that should have been expected. So, try to remember these basic “truths” from your guests. First, most guests that cause trouble are between 21 and 30. Next, most guests that cause trouble are intoxicated, often over-intoxication. Finally, over-intoxicated, young guests will naturally break the rules and when challenged, often won’t respect you or your responsibilities. If you can try to remember these points, you’ll be able to proactively deal with these guests before they cause trouble and before you or your team losses control.
Mistake #3: Stop Potential Trouble at the Door.
What You Should Do: The entrance to the establishment is often considered the most important staffing position when considering how to stop problems before they enter and grow inside the bar or club. A well-trained and confident door host can easily recognize those guests who might be a potential problem due to over-intoxication, out of dress code, attitude or even the guest who is seeking out problems. A door host who can accurately select those few guests who might cause problems and approach them while they are still outside of the bar or club is worth their weight in gold. This employee must be outgoing, personable, be able to take charge, know their role and be knowledgeable of house policies and local laws. If this door host can stop or even limit the number of guests who might cause trouble in the club, they could be saving the establishment thousands of dollars every night.
