Nightlife Networks and Best Practices on Safety and Service

Preventing underage drinking and intoxication is a crucial component in creating a sociable city. Patron mix, entertainment, licensed beverages and late-night operation serve as a catalyst for a blend of challenges unique to nightlife venues. Rigorous operational demands of management and staff contribute to isolation from peers, sometimes leading to fierce competition and community concerns.  

As consumers demand more nightlife, internal venue safety and management plans can assure the safety of patrons inside venues and as they exit. Nightlife networks and associations provide an external framework to centralize communication, organize leadership and coordinate resources. Such networks are diverse in structure, though often organize forums with local compliance agencies, schedule training for service and security staff, and participate in planning initiatives.   

Learning Objectives

• The four primary venue types and the special needs of each for security and training

• Risk factors for each venue type

• Five components to an effective safety plan

• Hospitality moments of truth

• Selecting a responsible beverage service training and security training program

• Management policies to address risk and training needs

• Nightlife networks and associations

• Problem solving alliances with government agencies and neighborhood organizations Integrating technology into operations to improve compliance, safety and security