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Is Your Local Pub Really Safe? Detailed Upon

In a recent study, people who frequented their local pubs reported greater levels of life satisfaction and trust in others. They also cited a number of benefits to their social lives that could not be replicated at a large chain pub.

While bars provide an opportunity for people to gather and socialize, they can also pose safety risks if not handled correctly. This article will explore the legal obligations of bar owners and the ways in which they can improve patron safety.

Security

The combination of crowded spaces, lots of people and plenty of booze can make bars an appealing place for criminal activity. But the risk of theft, break-ins and even violent crime can be mitigated with good security measures.

For example, a bar could limit the number of entrances to high-risk areas (money collection rooms, food prep stations, etc.) or require patrons to wear special codes or tags that indicate they are permitted to enter those areas. They might also employ security guards, have cameras and other visible deterrents, and train staff to spot potential threats.

Predators and pickpockets are not unique to bars, but they thrive anywhere people congregate. To minimize these threats, a pub owner can create a culture of safety that doesn’t tolerate aggression or harassment, says Jessica Raven, executive director of the D.C.-based grass-roots organization Collective Action for Safe Spaces.

She suggests training staff to recognize threatening body language, like stiffness or refusal to look at someone, as well as subtle cues that a person is feeling unsafe or being harassed. Then they can help that person find a way to safely exit the establishment and get on a bus or train to a safe destination. That kind of assistance can be critical in preventing sexual violence. A bar that provides it can build a reputation as a welcoming and supportive venue. It can also reduce the risk of criminal incidents and legal liability. For this reason, many public spaces — including bars, restaurants, breweries, distilleries and clubs — are implementing new security measures.

Alcohol

A local pub is not only a place to grab a pint of beer or wine, it’s also an ideal spot to catch up with friends. However, the amount of alcohol a person drinks can have a significant impact on their safety. If a person becomes too intoxicated, they can become a danger to themselves and others. As such, the law places strict limits on how much a person can consume in a short period of time to ensure their safety and that of those around them.

The premise of the TV show Cheers is that “quantity of friends and quantity of drink do not happiness make.” While this may be true, a visit to a pub can give you the sense of community that you can only get when you walk into a bar where everybody knows your name. This feeling of belonging is a key aspect that makes a pub so appealing to many people.

Despite this, a person must be aware of the potential dangers associated with alcohol. For example, drinking to the point where you are unable to safely drive is illegal in many jurisdictions. Moreover, the risk of a drunk driver injuring or killing other people on the road can be extremely high. In such cases, a bar may be held liable for overserving its patrons and causing an accident or other damages.

Fortunately, there are many ways to enjoy a drink without putting your health at risk. Many states have laws that allow people to bring their own beverages into restaurants and bars. Moreover, some grocery stores and convenience store chains devote a considerable portion of their floor space to selling alcohol. In addition, there are a growing number of brewpubs and distilleries that offer alcoholic beverages on-premises.

Food

Pubs typically prepare and serve alcoholic beverages, but many also offer food that is consumed on the premises. This means that they need to comply with food safety and hygiene regulations. Failure to do so increases the risk of contamination that could make customers ill. In some cases, it can even be life-threatening.

A great pub, like the The Dolly Blue Bar Newby Bridge, will have effective cleaning procedures and schedules in place to ensure that food storage, preparation, eating and bar areas are clean and safe at all times. This will reduce the risk of bacteria and other contaminants that can cause food poisoning, particularly when high-risk foods are undercooked.

The unwritten code of the local pub is to chat with your friends, look them in the eye and toast each other (especially to their health). There is nothing that beats this sense of community, which social media can’t replace. After all, what’s better than raising your glass to a friend and telling them you love them – in person?

Music

People go to a pub not just for the beer or the food, but for the atmosphere as well. Music plays a crucial role in creating this vibe and can influence the behaviour of patrons. It can make them feel more at ease, more likely to interact with strangers and create a sense of belonging.

Using music at your local pub can be a great way to promote local bands and help them get heard. This is a popular model used by the Wishing Well in Edgware who host all manner of live music and have built up a loyal following from their efforts. They also work with local talent to arrange gigs at other venues and promote them to their audience. This type of arrangement is generally less formal and involves paying musicians a flat fee to play.

A good tip is to make sure that your music is legally licensed and if you’re unsure about how to do this speak with the PPL PRS team who can offer guidance for businesses of all sizes. This is important because if your music is played without a license, you could be sued for copyright infringement.

In the end, it’s worth remembering that people come to pubs to relax and have fun. So, creating a safe space is essential to keeping people coming back for more. It’s a big reason why some of the best pubs are the ones that have something to offer everyone in the community, not just the same crowd every time.

Bystanders

As anyone who has worked in the nightlife or hospitality industry knows, many people are present in pubs and bars. Some of these are staff, and others may be guests or patrons. This means that many bystanders may be in a position to intervene when someone is being harassed or assaulted. Having active bystanders is important to reduce the likelihood of sexual violence in these spaces.

In a study that surveyed college students, researchers found that bystanders were more likely to break up bar fights when they believe the conflict is more dangerous. The bystanders also used nonaggressive interventions, such as separating the fighters or verbally stopping them. The research builds upon previous work, which found that bystander intervention programs have the potential to decrease rape myths, increase knowledge of risky situations, and increase participants’ intention to intervene (Banyard 2011;Vukotich 2013).

Bystanders can play an important role in creating safe environments, but it isn’t always easy. Many bystanders lack the confidence or skills needed to intervene in an unsafe situation. They also often believe that an aggressor is justified in their actions, which can lead them to a victim-blaming mindset.

To improve bystander intervention, training for bar staff is necessary. In one program, bystanders were taught a range of tools to safely support or challenge behaviours. They were also trained in how to assess the scene, and how to delegate to other staff members. Bystanders should then take a look at their own safety first. They should consider how dangerous the situation seems, who else is nearby (they might be able to help them), and whether they can record the incident. Finally, they should decide how to respond.