New Proposal Would Require Bouncers Be Licensed
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State officials are drafting a new set of rules to ensure that bouncers in clubs and bars are better trained and certified. But while some nightclub owners say the intent behind the regulations are good, they're complaining that they're too broad and could end up being too heavy a burden. NY1's Erin Billups filed the following report.The 2006 murder of Imette Saint Guillen by bouncer Darryl Littlejohn helped spur a push for stricter guidelines for nightlife security guards.
"We recognize as an industry that the way the laws and the codes are written, they're not sufficient to the way we operate our business," said New York Nightlife Association President Paul Seres.
Still, nightclub, tavern and even hotel and restaurant owners say a proposed regulation is too broad. Currently, if more than 50 percent of an employee's job involves keeping order, protecting patrons, or preventing unlawful activity, they must go through background checks and security guard training. The new rule would apply to workers who spend any of their time doing those things.
"Under our interpretation of the draft rule, most bar tenders, servers, waiters, waitresses, because part of their job involves a security related function they would then have to become a licensed security guard," said Empire State Restaurant and Tavern Association President Scott Wexler.
Stakeholders like Dave Casey, owner of the Taj Lounge, along with Seres, say the formula should be based on the club's capacity.
"I think it really depends on the size and each individual location. I don't know that you can go right across the board, because there are different sizes of different venues throughout the state," Seres said.
Officials at New York's Department of State say they are working with industry experts to amend the draft regulation.
While changes will likely be made to the regulation, it's almost certain anyone guarding the door, or looking to, will have to jump through even more hoops.
"As an outcome on this process there will be new, expanded burdens on the owners of licensed premises and their employees," Wexler said.
Still, it's a burden owners like Seres and Casey say is well worth the investment to avoid future tragic incidents.
"I would prefer to pay more for better personnel for my establishment. It's a very important and integral part of the business," Casey said.
The Department of State says input from stakeholders will play a significant role in the development of the final rule which should be set next year.