Nightclub Security Bouncer Job Description and Training Requirements

Nightclub doorman weapons pat-down

• Yale University staff writer Declan Kunkel interviews Chris McGoey.
• Yale University will publish this interview in The Politic Newspaper.

Podcast Time Stamps:

[01:20] – Introduction of Yale University student Declan Kunkel.
[01:30] – Nightclub security job description including bouncers.
[01:55] – What are the typical doorman duties in a nightclub?
[04:28] – What are the typical access control duties in a nightclub?
[04:59] – What are the typical duties of a nightclub bouncer?
[06:00] – Are there any nightclub security training standards?
[07:30] – How do nightclub bouncers know when to intervene?
[08:40] – Best bouncers are not always large in stature or male.
[09:30] – Security and bouncers need clearly defined rules.
[11:28] – Nightclub bouncers notice troublemakers right away.
[12:00] – What is the liability for criminal acts of patrons and staff?
[14:00] – Nightclub security responsibility to remove known threats.
[15:20] – Nightclub security biggest mistake is the use of excessive force.
[16:30] – Nightclub security needs an adequate number of bouncers.
[17:50] – How can a nightclub reverse a dangerous reputation?
[19:40] – How can a nightclub change the nature of a disorderly club?
[21:40] – Every nightclub needs responsible service alcohol training.
[22:35] – Nightclub security high standards hiring, training, supervision.

Nightclub Security Doorman Duties

• Positioned at all doors wearing a distinctive uniform.
• They are well-trained for the post and know every regulation.
• Must maintain control of access and club entry lines.
• ID verification for legal age prior to admission.
• Verify prior to entry that the person is not obviously intoxicated.
• Verify that the person is not carrying a weapon or contraband.
  • Use an optional metal detector or pat-down or bag search.
• Enforce the dress code and refuse objectionable attire.
• Refuses admission to known troublemakers.
• Direct communication with bouncers and management.
• Access and egress control and fire safety duties.
• Calls the police to report criminal acts, as required.

Nightclub Security Bouncer Duties

• Work primarily inside of a nightclub or at the door.
• Patrols exterior and parking lot sometimes.
• Wear a distinctive uniform and is highly visible.
• Positioned in a room with an unobstructed view.
• Have adequate staff (e.g. 1-50 ratio), if high-risk.
• Monitor patron behavior and level of intoxication.
• Enforce club rules often with early warnings.
• Removes obnoxious and offensive persons.
• Always professional when asking patrons to leave.
• Implement a policy to ban persons who like to fight.
• Use force only in self-defense or detention for police.
• Calls the police to enforce criminal acts, as required.

Nightclub Security Bouncer Hiring, Training, Supervision

• Hire doormen and bouncers with the right demeanor for the job.
• Large men are not the sole basis for security hiring decisions.
• Hire a diverse staff of different sex, age, and ethnicity.
• Train in criminal and civil law and standard of care.
• Frequent training about the use of force and limitations.
• Frequent practice and scenario drills working as a team.
• Supervise security closely for compliance with training.
• Mobile radios and communication aids supervision.
• Frequent staff meetings with the supervisor to update training.
• A manager works with the police, as needed, to maintain order.

Nightclub Security Bouncer Excessive Use of Force

• Bouncers have no authority to use excessive force.
  • No police powers beyond ordinary citizens.
• An adequate number of bouncers reduces the risk of injury.
• Adequate training reduces excessive force incidents.
• Excessive force by bouncers will ruin a club’s reputation.
• The excessive use of force causes harm and creates liability.
• Should have documentation of the use of force training.

Nightclub Security Bouncer – Repair a Bad Reputation

• Must control the over-service of alcoholic beverages.
• Must control overcrowding and club intensity.
• Failing to control aggressive behavior that will ruin a club’s reputation.
• Excessive force by bouncers adds to a bad reputation and media.
• Must control parking lot for loitering, drugs, traffic, and litter.
• Must control egress traffic from a club at closing time.
• Partnership with the police and liquor licensing agency.
• Hire a security consultant to build a new security plan.
• Make a commitment to change the nature of the nightclub.
• Be a good neighbor and demonstrate changes in operation.

More Information about Nightclub & Bar Security

• Bouncers and Doormen.
• Managing Obnoxious Behavior.
• Bouncers & Doormen Need Training.
• Death of a Nightclub.
• Bar Bouncers Use Excessive Force in Florida. Episode 11
• The Politic Newspaper, Yale University.

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