safe night hospitality resource guide
Operating a restaurant, bar, tavern, or special event venue that serves alcohol can be a high-risk endeavor. Owners face the dangers of criminal and civil liability from state and local authorities, patrons, and even employees. While most establishments operate safely with an occasional issue, it can be difficult for owners to prove that they are using effective practices that are supported by employee policies and training.
This guide is meant to inform and support restaurant and bar owners in developing and implementing relevant, effective employee standards, policies, and training in an effort to reduce liability when hiring new employees and welcoming back returning staff.
The Safe Night Resource Guide to Improve Safety and Economic Viability in the Hospitality Industry is a free resource available courtesy of Responsibility.org
A Safe Night Out
Safe Night LLC provides municipal staff the tools needed to establish a multi-agency unified strategy and implement "A Safe Night Out". This approach is available to municipality agencies in a four-day class for or in a one-day overview workshop.
Understanding and Evaluating Need for a Nightlife Approach
Safe Night LLC provides training and strategies needed to reduce alcohol related harm and improve economic viability in nightlife and entertainment areas.
Collect Data And Identify Issues Through Analysis of Nightlife Areas
Conducting economic and social impact research will support allocation of resources and funding for all involved agencies.
Operational Analysis/Identify Stakeholders
Relationships and collaboration are the keys to improving nightlife safety. Include all individuals and agencies that have a vested interest in establishing a safe and economically viable entertainment area.
Safe Night Proactive Alliance Approach
The Proactive Alliance Approach is the foundation for establishing trust with business owners and the community. Using methods adapted from psychological counseling therapy concepts, staff will learn how to facilitate cooperation rather than demanding it. The Proactive Alliance Approach teaches enforcement agencies and police to work side by side with stakeholders to reach mutually beneficial outcomes.
Safe Night Active Bystander
Introducing the Safe Night Active Bystander training to your community can increase safety and awareness to sexual assault and harassment. Communities that make safety a priority are more likely to thrive and be economically viable.
Training and Policies for Restaurant-Bar Staff/Accreditation Program
Empower restaurant staff to comply with the law and adopt effective practices by providing training, policies, and expectations. The benefits of staff participating in training will be measured in a reduction of alcohol related harm, reduced liability for staff, and a safe environment for patrons. Safe Night will demonstrate how to introduce an accreditation model for restaurants and bars using the Best Bar None scheme.
Broaden Reach and Effectiveness/Vibrancy and Economic Viability
Public-private partnerships can improve safety, efficiency, and quality of life. For example, coordinated efforts such as establishing loading zones for ride-share vehicles and taxis and using dedicated shuttles are ways to get people home safely.
Validity
A Safe Night Out is supported by research in reducing alcohol related harm. The clearest indication of effectiveness resulted from multi-component programs such as ours. Find more information in: Reducing Harm in Drinking Environments - Evidence and Practice in Europe (2010) by Karen Hughes, Lindsay Furness, Lisa Jones and Mark A Bellis - Centre for Public Health - WHO Collaborating Centre for Violence Prevention.
