Should You Hire Security Personnel for Your Business?

As alcohol compliance experts, the team at Stinger Compliance is here to help business owners answer the tough questions. One of the questions we’re asked frequently is important—it usually sounds like “Should I hire security personnel?” It’s a great question with a not-so-clear answer: it depends.

In this blog, we’ll walk through the ins and outs of evaluating your need for security personnel and how to make sure you’re hiring the right person.

The Purpose of Security Personnel

First, we should define what security personnel is and why they’re important to business owners selling age-restricted products like alcohol. They’re commonly called “hired security,” but could also have titles such as doorman, security staff, or front-of-house staff.

Security is generally hired by bars, nightclubs, casinos, concert venues, sporting event venues, private events in residential areas, and restaurants. These essential staff members can be hired directly by a business or contracted through a third-party vendor.

Responsibilities of Security Personnel

• Checking identification and ensuring all patrons are of legal age
• Checking for unusual, suspicious, or dangerous behaviors
• Blocking entry for customers already intoxicated
• Ensuring customers entering do not have firearms or drugs
• Securing the area directly outside of the business
• Blocking entry for customers not following the dress code
• Ensuring patrons pay any required cover fee
• Removing customers who create disturbances
• De-escalating confrontations and breaking up fights
• Contacting law enforcement when necessary
• Helping intoxicated patrons arrange safe transportation home

Security guards are essential for maintaining safety and order for patrons and staff alike. Without security staff, these responsibilities often fall on wait staff, which can overwhelm bartenders and servers who are already managing customer service and orders.

Do You Need Security Personnel?

Not every establishment selling age-restricted products needs security personnel. It’s important to identify the situations where hired security would be valuable for your business.

The People Factor

Consider the type of customers who frequent your business on a Friday night. Are you located in a university town where underage drinking is common? Are you in a busy downtown area where customers sometimes become aggressive? Or are you in a quiet small town with a relaxed crowd?

Understanding your customer base can help determine whether security is necessary. Friendly and calm patrons may require less oversight, while rowdy or unpredictable crowds could benefit from a security presence.

If you are new to the area, it may be helpful to speak with other local business owners to understand common challenges in your community.

Types of Venues and Events

The type of venue you operate may influence your need for security personnel. High-volume nightclubs often rely on security to maintain order and reduce liability associated with overserving guests.

Concert venues may also require security to prevent guests from bringing in outside alcohol or illegal substances.

Certain events may also require additional security, such as:

• Large private events in residential areas
• Sports viewing events with passionate fans
• Events featuring high-profile attendees

Understanding the types of issues that commonly occur at your venue or events can help determine whether security personnel are necessary.

Business Hours

If your busiest hours occur between 10:00 PM and 3:00 AM, hiring security staff may be beneficial. Late-night crowds are often more intoxicated and less likely to make rational decisions, increasing the risk of disturbances.

Level of Compliance

Before hiring security personnel, it may be helpful to evaluate your current compliance with alcohol and tobacco regulations.

Are staff members consistently checking identification? Are large crowds causing employees to overlook compliance procedures? Is service declining because staff members are balancing customer service and security responsibilities?

Stinger Compliance can help identify areas where your business may need improvement regarding alcohol and tobacco compliance.

Our anonymous shoppers complete detailed surveys evaluating staff adherence to local laws, customer service standards, and facility cleanliness. These surveys—called “Stings”—provide actionable insights into potential compliance risks.

Learn more about booking your first Sting with Stinger Compliance and gain valuable insights into your business’s compliance performance.

How Much Does Hired Security Cost?

The cost of hiring security staff is a common concern for business owners. While security personnel require an investment, the benefits often outweigh the expense.

For example, having security staff may positively impact insurance policies or reduce liability risks.

The cost of not having security can sometimes be greater. If overwhelmed staff fail to check identification properly, your business may face penalties for serving alcohol to minors. If a patron becomes injured due to overserving, legal consequences could follow.

Security personnel help protect both businesses and customers by reducing risks associated with alcohol service.

Businesses can hire security directly or partner with third-party security vendors. Vendor pricing varies, while independently hired security staff may work for hourly wages, tips, or fixed event-based fees.

What Qualifications Do Security Guards Need?

Once you determine that your establishment would benefit from security personnel, it’s important to understand the qualifications necessary for success in the role.

Basic Requirements

• Clean Criminal Background: Conduct background checks to avoid liability risks.
• Physical Strength: Security staff must be able to manage physical altercations if necessary.
• Demeanor: Professional presence helps deter potential troublemakers.
• De-Escalation Skills: Security personnel should resolve conflicts without physical confrontation whenever possible.
• Sobriety: Security staff must remain sober and alert throughout their shift.
• Observation Skills: Recognizing suspicious or problematic behavior is essential.
• Training and Licensure: Some states require security personnel to complete specific training programs before employment.

Why Safety Should Be Top of Mind

Ultimately, the decision to hire security personnel depends on the unique characteristics of your establishment.

Consulting with other local business owners or legal professionals may help guide your decision-making process.

Safety should always remain a top priority for businesses selling age-restricted products. Failing to prioritize safety can lead to legal consequences, license suspension, financial penalties, or even loss of life.

Stinger Compliance partners with businesses to ensure safe operations, regulatory compliance, and improved awareness of potential safety risks.

Book your first Sting today to learn how Stinger Compliance can help determine whether security personnel may be beneficial for your business.