How to Make Your Bar Safe for Patrons in El Paso, Texas

Everyone deserves to visit their local drinking establishment and feel safe while socializing with friends. If you own or manage a bar in El Paso, Texas, and want to ensure safe and quality service for all patrons, take note of the following tips: 

Obtain the Necessary Permits and Licenses

Part of running a safe and successful bar involves complying with rules and laws. Ensure you have all the necessary permits and licenses, including a local city permit and a state TABC license. If you serve food and sell taxed items, you may also need a food permit, a certificate of occupancy, and a business license. If you’re unsure which permits and licenses you require in El Paso, Texas, contact the City of El Paso. 

Train Your Staff

Your employees are the face of your business. They make or break your customers’ experience and contribute to their feelings of safety. Provide comprehensive training with a focus on customer service and safety. 

The TABC certificate is one of the most effective ways to promote a safe service environment in your establishment. Your employees can earn it through an approved online provider and learn about how to refuse service, recognize the signs of intoxication, avoid serving alcohol to minors, and more.

What’s more, requiring your employees to obtain their TABC certificate can mean that if they break the law, the TABC may not take administrative action against you as the permit holder. 

Improve Security and Surveillance

While most people enter bars and other entertainment establishments to have a good time, some people want to disrupt the peace. That’s why it’s so important to prioritize security and surveillance. 

Consider hiring professional door staff or security personnel to verify IDs, manage venue access, and de-escalate any challenging situations that could put other patrons at risk.

There can also be value in installing high-definition surveillance cameras. When positioned at the entry, bar, exits, and parking areas, they can deter incidents and provide records of events when needed. 

Plan a Safe Layout

Bars and other entertainment venues can get busy. Dozens of people can congregate to enjoy each other’s company and local events. With that in mind, a safe and innovative layout, along with effective crowd management strategies, is crucial.

Design a well-lit and uncluttered environment that allows for easy intervention if required, potentially reducing the risk of crowd-related accidents. While planning your bar, ensure there is adequate spacing to avoid bottlenecks during busy periods. If you plan regular events, consider implementing capacity limits to provide an enjoyable experience for all attendees. 

Implement Clear Safety Plans

While you hope to never end up in a situation where the safety of your employees or customers is at risk, it’s crucial to have safety plans in place, just in case. Once designed, ensure all employees understand them and know how to follow them. 

You can create safety plans for various circumstances, such as managing situations involving spiked drinks, as well as emergency protocols for medical assistance and evacuations. Keep all basic plans and rules visible to employees. 

Encourage Responsible Behavior

While people visit your bar to have a good time, that doesn’t mean you expect irresponsible behavior. In fact, you can encourage responsible behavior in several ways. 

Offer a variety of non-alcoholic drink options, as well as food. You can also make it easy for patrons to get home by arranging safe ride options. This can include partnering with rideshare service providers and displaying taxi phone numbers in your bar.

Get Your TABC Certificate with TABC Pronto Today

Gain a reputation for providing a safe and secure environment for your employees and bar patrons. You can take a number of measures, such as creating safety plans and educating your employees.
Let TABC Pronto assist with a 100% online, self-paced TABC certificate course. Our TABC-approved course can help you create knowledgeable and confident bar staff. Enroll today or bundle the TABC certificate with the Texas Food Handlers Card for $16.98.