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Standardised training for nightclub and bar security staff planned

Improvements to safety and security at bars and nightclub venues are likely in the coming months after industry stakeholders met with Public Safety Minister Michael Dunkley.

Bermuda’s nightlife clubbers and pubgoers may see some changes in their nightlife activities if new laws are made in the upcoming autumn.Minister of Public Safety Michael Dunkley met with approximately 30 stakeholders connected with liquor licensed premises on Wednesday to discuss solutions to the industry’s problems. The Minister aims to make those solutions part of upcoming legislation.The solutions propsed include implementing a "banned from one, banned from all" policy for some licensed premises and mandatory ID checks.Other solutions are for a stronger enforcement of bans already in place (including more workable legislation apart from the Summary Offences Act 1926) as well as standardised training for security guards to ensure common standards across the industry.Nightlife industry representatives also felt the need for better sharing of information between businesses in conjunction with the police.“The dialogue was open and direct,” Mr Dunkley said. “What emerged was a consensus on the need to keep the lines of communication open within the industry itself. There is a need for more effective information sharing to ensure that a silo mentality does not lead to the ruin of one business over another and, more importantly, the promotion of venues that are unsafe for the enjoyment of patrons generally.”Mr Dunkley stated the next phase of the process will involve meeting with security service providers to establish a standardised programme of training for security guards Island-wide.