The Mac Factor: door security
I was interested to read an article on the BBC website entitled 'Why I hate bouncers'. It was the typical kind of story favoured by the media across the country to generate fury and discussion. There were a number of comments posted after the article mainly from disgruntled door supervisors, including the following:
"We're not there to victimise and intimidate, but to stop dangerous situations, stop people being hurt, be approachable so that we can help people and generally ... keeping the peace, in and directly outside, our venues."
I believe this sums up perfectly the positive role of door supervisors. There were also postings from female door supervisors and university students working on the doors to gain experience of the world and to earn some extra money to help with tuition fees. So the job is changing but is the public perception?
Changes to door supervision over the past few years have raised the professionalism and acceptance of the industry and pubs are using them as the first line of defence in the fight against underage drinkers and alcohol-related disorder. Gone are the days where customers felt afraid of 'bouncers'. Today they are as much about customer service as about enforcement.
Door supervision qualifications - it's now compulsory to obtain an SIA licence - cover all aspects of the job from understanding licensing laws and the the issues surrounding underage sales to conflict management to prevent situations from escalating. The criminal element that once flourished in door supervision is finally being pushed out and the image is as important as this reality to people in the industry.
The night-time economy is essential to a flourishing town centre and the sight of the black-suited men and women on the doors of licensed premises should give a feeling of security and commitment to a peaceful town centre. Radio links between venues and close working relationships with the police mean that problems can be prevented before they arise.
It is a pity that high-profile stories of irresponsible 'bouncers' and articles by ill-informed people hit the media rather than news about the essential and worthwhile job these hard-working people do.
John McNamara is chief executive of the BII
