How Can Hospitality Venues Keep Guests Safe During Festive Events?

As the festive season approaches, hospitality venues across the UK are gearing up for one of the busiest times of the year. From ensuring stock levels are adequate to managing staff schedules and bracing for unpredictable winter weather, there’s plenty on the minds of business owners. Among all these concerns, guest safety stands out as a top priority, especially with the influx of visitors during the holiday party season. While the increase in footfall can boost profits, it also raises security challenges, something no venue wants to face at such a critical time.

At Guard Mark Security, we’ve put together a detailed guide to help hospitality venues ensure their guests remain safe throughout the holiday season. Drawing on our extensive experience, we share practical steps to address the unique security challenges posed during this time.

Why Festive Security Matters in Hospitality

If you’ve spent any time in the hospitality industry, you’ll know how chaotic the festive period can be. While the season often brings significant financial rewards, it also introduces greater security risks. Let’s look at the bigger picture. According to recent projections, UK consumers are expected to spend an estimated £12.3 billion in hospitality venues during the six-week festive season. Additionally, a report by Restaurant Online indicates that Christmas bookings have already increased by 54% compared to last year.

For hospitality business owners, this is undoubtedly promising news. But alongside these opportunities comes the challenge of heightened security risks. Data shows a seasonal spike in incidents like burglary and property damage, posing real concerns for hospitality venues. Combine this with the sheer volume of people passing through your doors, and it’s clear why security must be a key focus during this time. Each venue is different, with unique challenges, but certain security measures apply across the board.

A Complete Guide to Guest Safety This Festive Season

For this guide, we’ll use a typical event space or large restaurant as our example, though the tips we provide are adaptable to venues of any size.

Securing Your Entrance and Welcoming Guests

The entrance area is the first thing your visitors encounter, whether it’s a cosy porch, a spacious foyer, or a grand hallway with a seating area. For venues that double as entertainment spaces or event hire locations, this first impression is even more critical. Your entrance serves as the gateway to your venue, making it a prime spot to establish a sense of safety and professionalism. This is where your first layer of security should be placed, ideally staffed by security officers who are familiar with the hospitality sector.

Hospitality-focused security personnel not only provide protection but also enhance your guests’ experience by representing your business with professionalism and warmth. This is especially important for upscale establishments where security staff should seamlessly blend into the overall atmosphere, acting as an extension of your venue’s image.

Ticketing and Admitting Authorised Guests

For venues hosting events or catering to exclusive clientele, like fine dining restaurants or private functions, managing guest entry is essential. This involves processes like ticket checks, admission controls, and ensuring only authorised individuals have access.

These measures are crucial for maintaining the exclusive vibe you’ve worked to create and for keeping track of attendance. As a general guideline, having one event security officer for every 150 expected guests is a good starting point for most hospitality events.

In addition to managing access, security personnel can assist with other tasks, such as bag checks or coat storage, services that are especially useful during the colder months when guests arrive bundled up. These small yet impactful touches can significantly improve crowd management while reinforcing a secure environment.

Patrolling Your Premises

For larger venues or event spaces, having roving security officers adds an extra layer of safety and peace of mind. While this might not be necessary for smaller or boutique restaurants, it’s an invaluable asset for establishments with expansive areas or significant foot traffic.

These officers can be discreetly dressed in suits or formal attire to blend seamlessly into your venue or opt for more traditional high-visibility clothing if you want their presence to be noticed. They provide a reassuring security presence, particularly during the festive period when risks can be higher. This becomes especially critical when alcohol is being served, as it naturally increases the potential for unruly behaviour. Patrolling hospitality security officers are trained to manage these scenarios, ensuring your guests feel safe while maintaining the overall atmosphere of your venue.

Additionally, security personnel are not just there to prevent trouble; they’re also a vital resource in emergencies. All licenced security officers are trained in emergency first aid, providing a crucial safety net in scenarios like allergic reactions at food-tasting events. This dual role of prevention and preparedness makes mobile security a smart choice for busy venues.

Managing Areas Where Alcohol Is Served

Alcohol is often central to festive celebrations whether it’s a corporate party, a family gathering, or a Christmas night out. However, as much as it adds to the merriment, it also introduces unique challenges when it comes to guest safety. The Institute of Alcohol Studies reports that 62% of violent crimes occurring on weekend days involve alcohol, and this statistic only worsens during the holiday season. With festive promotions, increased alcohol availability, and a lively atmosphere, venues are at a higher risk of facing alcohol-related incidents.

This is where experienced hospitality security officers make all the difference. For venues not accustomed to handling large crowds or heavy alcohol consumption, the combination of rowdy guests, depleted supplies, and a high-pressure environment can lead to complications. Security officers are trained to manage such situations effectively. They can de-escalate conflicts, discreetly remove disruptive individuals, and handle difficult conversations, such as refusing service to intoxicated guests. By stepping in to address these challenges, security personnel allow your staff to focus on delivering excellent service to the rest of your patrons.

Protecting Staging Areas

During the festive season, hospitality venues often go the extra mile to stand out in a competitive market. Whether it’s through creative promotions or live entertainment, there’s a lot to plan especially if your events require a dedicated staging area. While many venues already have staging spaces, it’s crucial to ensure performers and backstage staff are safe, particularly in environments where alcohol is involved. This is where professional security plays a key role.

Hospitality security officers can effectively separate performers from the crowd, maintaining a secure environment so the show can go on without interruptions. They are trained to handle crowd dynamics and can quickly step in to resolve potential issues before they escalate. Having reliable security for your staging area means your event can run smoothly, providing peace of mind for performers, staff, and guests alike.

Ensuring a Smooth Exit

As the night wraps up and it’s time to close, getting those last few guests to leave can sometimes be tricky especially when some may have had one drink too many. Experienced hospitality security officers are prepared for this. They understand the flow of an evening and are skilled at managing a quick and orderly exit for all guests. Whether it’s politely escorting lingering visitors or ensuring the safety of everyone as they leave, they handle these tasks with professionalism and ease.

Having security take charge of closing procedures allows your staff to focus on restoring the venue to its usual tidy state. Additionally, security officers can manage exit policies, such as returning coats or completing bag checks, ensuring guests leave in a safe and organised manner.

Why Choose Guard Mark Security for Hospitality Security This Festive Season?

While this guide offers useful tips to keep your guests safe during festive events, none of it is complete without the right security team to bring these measures to life. You need a provider that understands your industry and shares your passion for delivering exceptional service.

At Guard Mark Security, we bring years of expertise and professionalism to the table. Our team is experienced in handling the unique challenges that come with the festive season, giving you the support you need to focus on creating memorable experiences for your guests.

We understand the pressures hospitality venues face during this busy time, and we’re here to take the stress out of security so you can concentrate on what you do best. Get in touch with Guard Mark Security today for a free, no-obligation quote.