While outdoor spaces can greatly elevate the guest experience, expanding into patios and rooftops introduces distinct security risks. Because these areas often fall outside staff sightlines and are easily accessible to the public, unattended outdoor areas are prime targets for theft, vandalism, harassment and trespassing.
Thankfully, there are security measures that you can take to secure outdoor areas. Having the correct protocols, equipment, signage and proper security can all go a long way. Take the steps necessary to secure the areas without disrupting the guest experience.
Assess How Many Security Guards You Need
Not every bar and restaurant needs a physical security presence. Oftentimes, the right equipment is all you need. However, it varies depending on the type of business you run.
If your bar and restaurant is smaller and more on the quiet side, with limited foot traffic, you can safely rely on equipment and management to keep the restaurant secure. However, if you run a larger venue that's open late and has heavy foot traffic, or one that emphasizes alcohol consumption, you need physical security.
Most of these establishments need one to three security guards per shift, though the exact number depends on the venue size, crowd volume and risk factors. If your restaurant is an average-sized late-night eatery with high traffic volume, you only need one guard. However, if it is a large restaurant with high-energy crowds, consider hiring up to three.
When hiring guards, take the outdoor spaces into consideration. If it’s a larger venue with a large rooftop patio, have one guard dedicated to that area while the other monitors downstairs. If it’s a high-energy environment, but most of the space is in sight, you don’t need more than one.
Train Employees To Observe, Not Act
Your employees are your first line of defense. First and foremost, teach them to constantly check outside and monitor body language. They need to be able to spot the signs that somebody is overly intoxicated or can potentially get out of control.
They should be able to spot intoxication levels, especially in outdoor areas where people tend to congregate and think they can get away with things. Train them to listen for slurred speech, poor balance, and their ability to focus. If they suspect that there’s even a chance somebody can get out of hand, employees should inform management or security immediately.
Also, teach employees to watch for customers who look around suspiciously. They could be looking to vandalize, steal and even harass or assault. This is another situation in which security should be notified immediately. It’s better to be wrong than to underestimate what they are contemplating doing.
Never allow a staff member to just blatantly confront someone. They should always maintain a friendly, welcoming demeanor that puts the guest experience first. Rather, they are the front line expected to alert security or upper management if they suspect an issue may arise. Their goal should be to help prevent security issues, not handle them. This protects both the guest experience and your staff.
Design with Security in Mind
The outdoor area should be designed with security in mind. Make sure it is fenced in with proper signage that indicates entrances, exits and that they’re on camera. This will help deter suspicious behavior.
Make sure the outdoor area is designed within staff’s line of sight, particularly the bar or host stand. This will make it easier for both staff and security to monitor activity. Having an outdoor area behind the bar is often a great option.
If the outdoor areas are out of view, such as on a rooftop or out the back, make sure there is signage in plain sight. If someone is constantly reminded that they are on camera, they are less likely to do anything suspicious.
Invest in the Right Equipment
Cameras and lighting are your two best friends when it comes to outdoor security. While there should be cameras overlooking every area, pay attention to blind spots. Additionally, if your restaurant has an outdoor area out of sight, such as a rooftop patio, make sure there are cameras that management can easily monitor.
Weatherproof cameras are critical for outdoor areas, protecting them from the elements. The cameras should also have anti-glare and night-vision capabilities. This ensures that the cameras can properly detect activity regardless of lighting or time of day. It’s also important to make sure the cameras have audio. There are several instances that can occur where audio can make or break a situation. It prevents a he-said, she-said scenario.
Lastly, invest in good lighting. The better the lighting, the better you can see. The better you can see, the better you can respond. While ambient lighting such as string lights and outdoor pendants creates a welcoming atmosphere, you also want to keep safety in mind.
Choose commercial-grade fixtures with an IP65 rating. This means that the fixture is protected against outdoor elements. For outdoor areas where guests congregate and sit, opt for a warmer 3,000K light. It’s bright enough to keep the area secure but warm enough not to disrupt the guest experience.
Protecting outdoor spaces requires a multi-layered defense. Combining intelligent design, weather-resistant surveillance and a well-trained team ensures your patrons enjoy an elevated outdoor experience while your business stays fully protected around the clock.
Frank Sheldone is the founder and president of Armor Protection Group. He has almost 30 years of experience helping bars and restaurants secure outdoor spaces.