Security checklist for pubs and bars

24-Jul-2013 - Last updated on 25-Jul-2013 at 14:14 GMT

It’s important for licensees to control who has access to a building or specific rooms

Licensees are often tied-up with day to day tasks, so it’s no surprise that security can be neglected, with only a break-in or vandalism prompting a review. But security measures should be viewed as an essential part of operating a hospitality business, according to Dr Steffan George of the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA).

Although it may seem like an expense that can always be put-off until next month, reviewing and boosting security can save you money in the long run. The expense of rectifying issues caused by a break-in, such as lost trading time and replacing stock, is likely to be far greater than investing in security measures in the first place.

Assign responsibility

First and foremost, every business or organisation of any size has a legal responsibility to appoint a responsible person regarding fire safety, who has to make sure that measures like emergency exits, emergency hardware and signage (amongst other things) all meet fire regulation.

Anyone given responsibility for security must make sure that the security measures they install, do not compromise safety by causing entrapment areas or altering fire doors. In an ideal world, the person responsible for fire safety would advise anyone wanting to maintain or upgrade security on what is allowed, but all too often fire safety is compromised unintentionally and people’s lives are put at risk. That’s why it is so important to take security advice from a MLA-approved locksmith, who will take all aspects of building safety and security into account.

Security from the outside in

Reviewing security means understanding a building’s function and optimising security around it, so it is imperative to start from the outside in.

Check doors, windows and grilles for faults, broken locks, weak frames and damage – if there is any sign of wear and tear, replace them immediately.
Examine gates and fences in the grounds, and in car parks, to make sure they are in good repair: this will also help to reassure customers.
Consider whether reinforced glass, additional padlocks or locks should be fitted to external storage units or cellar doors, for example. Another option is to install window grilles: these are becoming more popular as they can be designed to complement a building’s facade.
In addition, additional measures such as CCTV and alarms can be fitted which will come into their own when they alert you to a break-in or identify a perpetrator.
Outdoor lighting should be considered for entrances and car parks as it can also deter criminals and make customers and staff feel safe.
Depending on the nature of your business, metal shutters can also be fitted for use when the premises are closed.

Access control

Hospitality businesses often experience high staff turnover and use temporary personnel, so it’s important to control who has access to a building or specific rooms. There are a host of products available to help manage this, including:

Restricted / patented keys – a locksmith can install patented or restricted systems; keys for such locks can’t be easily replaced or copied without providing proof of ownership, meaning only ‘official’ keys can be managed and distributed. If one of these keys goes missing or there is concern over a breach in security, a lock can often be reconfigured and new keys issued, rendering the lost key ineffective.
Master key system – master systems work by one key opening all of the locks in a set, while other keys open individual or selected locks.
Electronic access – these systems prevent unauthorised entry, while ensuring employees can gain access and they come in many forms, including digital locks, key fobs, swipe cards, keypads or even biometric entry products. The flexibility of these systems allows users to be easily added or deleted as required.

Internal security

If sensitive data, valuable stock or cash is stored within a building it’s worth considering what security measures are in place to protect them. For example, secure cabinets, which only certain employees can access, can be used to store personnel and/or financial information.

A high-specification safe should be used to store cash and a professional, such as an MLA member, will be able to advise on what type of safe would be appropriate as well as supply and install the product too.

Seeking expert advice

It is advisable to seek third party advice from a reputable security expert on which security measures should be installed. MLA members are not only experts on locks, keys and electronic access, but they can also advise on and install the wide range of systems mentioned in this article.

In addition, MLA members are subject to regular inspections, undergo training, adhere to a code of conduct, meet minimum competency requirements and are thoroughly vetted - including criminal record checks - and regulated by the association.

Dr Steffan George is development director at the Master Locksmiths Association