Working with bar/club security personnel to prevent underage drinking and alcohol-related violence

In 2008, the Cambridge Prevention Coalition and the Cambridge Public Health Department coordinated efforts to examine the relationship between alcohol consumption-related violence and the roles of bar and club staff. Expanding on this research, the partners will examine the role of security personnel in these situations specifically. Security personnel are generally the first to respond when violence erupts, or when a situation escalates. However, when a customer is being handled, what is the role of the security staff, and how do they know when to intervene. How do security personnel differentiate with attempts by friends to help other friends, versus someone being taken advantage of by an acquaintance or stranger. What are the roles of security personnel when asked to get involved by wait staff and/or bartenders. In addition, what are the indicators for security staff to deny access to bars and clubs, based on the suspicion on fake ids.

This presentation will focus on the information gathered during focus groups of Cambridge, MA liquor licensees security personnel, which will serve as the basis for a plan to foster understanding about how to best integrate bar and security personnel into a liquor licensee training, including issues around security staff hiring and retention. Additionally, the plan will help violence and substance abuse prevention advocates and professionals assist bar and club security personnel in developing skills in effective intervention techniques that decrease underage drinking and increase the safety of staff and customers.