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Featured in MD & DC Beverage Journals By: Lauren Belles RAMW - HOST Security Training One new trend gaining force in the District is the continued education of restaurant/bar owners and their staff in creating safer environments for themselves and their patrons to reduce liabilities. Last month, the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington held a two-day Hospitality operations Security Techniquestraining (HOST) session for area hospitality individuals. Robert C. Smith, veteran San police detective, and CEO and President of Hospitality & Security Alliance, Inc., led the session and says the District’s biggest liability issues are over intoxication (over serving) and insufficient security guard presence. “Owners don’t look at security as securing them money until they are educated and see how training can save thousands of dollars in insurance costs and can reduce violent incidents,” said Smith.Rocio Anzola, co-owner of Nellie’s Sports Bar on U Street, attended the training with her fellow co-owner and three of her employees. “As an owner, we need to understand how to pinpoint problems and where they can arise,” said Anzola. “I think everybody should do this session. There are a lot of things we assume are liabilities and there are a lot of things we didn’t [know are liabilities].” Installing additional cameras, increasing security guard numbers, and not issuing guards weapons are three ways owners can immediately reduce liabilities. Smith frequently addressed the security guards in attendance and stressed the importance of their behavior. “Remember your job as a guard may entail breaking up a fight. You need to understand that and take it. You have to expect the unexpected and never take anything personally…Your actions affect you criminally and the owner financially. So limit and lower liabilities to save owners money and save you your job.” Smith has been active in helping to pass legislation in California to mandate training for guards. He hopes that with increased attention and education of the financial connection between owners and their security, similar laws will take shape in the District and elsewhere. If you are interested in learning about this training session please contact Robert Smith at 619-997-6144 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Richard Bistline at 703-389-3523 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it |