They wear black puffa jackets, have
walkie-talkies and lurk in corners of nightclubs - that's right, I'm
talking bouncing people here. Once a law unto themselves, now new
regulations are bringing them into check. TheSite tells you what
they can and can't do
New laws regarding bouncers.
A recent home office report found evidence of doormen dealing in
drugs, turning a blind eye to drug-dealing, and receiving cash for
letting dealing take place.
Research estimates there are 170,000 door supervisors in England and
Wales. Soon all these doormen will have to be licensed and will
break the law unless they are wearing a badge to show they have been
trained and vetted. Security staff will have to learn about conflict
management, first aid and fire safety to qualify for their badge.
Anyone with a conviction for an offence of drugs or violence would
be automatically excluded from working.
On the door
Bouncers are renowned for their fickleness on the doors. If they
don't like your shoes or your haircut you may well find yourself
left out in the rain. Even more frustrating is that the staff are
completely within their rights to do this - the law, in this case,
is on their side and they can refuse you entry without giving any
reason.
Searches
Bouncers can, by law, search you for weapons and drugs. Clubs have
the right to search anyone entering their premises, and must provide
searchers of both sexes i.e. women to search women, men to search
men. They can refuse entry to anyone who refuses a search but they
can only insist on searching outside clothes, pockets or bags.
Legally, they can only conduct strip searches and searches inside
clothes with your permission in private with an independent witness.
Only police or customs officers have the powers to strip search you
without agreement - if a door supervisor searches inside your
clothes or performs a strip search without your permission they may
be charged with assault.
If they find any weapons or drugs they can confiscate them and
detain you until the police arrive. Anything else taken from you
must be returned to you when you leave.
There should be a clearly visible notice displaying the club's
searching and complaints policy. If you feel you have been
mistreated at a club, try to take down all the details as soon as
possible, noting down the names/numbers/description of the people
involved and the time of the incident.
If you are unhappy with the way a search has been conducted contact
Release who will complain on your behalf.
Advice Line: 0207 729 9904, open 10 - 6, Monday to Friday
Emergency Helpline: 0207 603 8654 (at all other times)
If they beat you up
If the door staff get nasty, try to stay relaxed. Meeting aggression
with aggression leads to confrontation. Talk your way out of the
problem: stay calm; lower your voice, speak slowly and clearly.
Avoid an aggressive stance: crossed arms, hands on hips, a raised
arm is challenging and confrontational. Avoid touching someone
unnecessarily. Breathe out slowly to help you relax. Look confident
If they start hitting out, your primary aim should be to GET AWAY,
fast. There is no shame in doing this; it's the smart thing to do.
Walk away as fast as you can. Don't look back. Try not to panic.
Physical self-defence should only be a last resort. It limits your
options and commits you to a fight you could lose. It is not weak to
walk away from violence. If however you do get beaten up, then you
need to take action afterwards. Report any incident to the police as
soon as possible, and press charges. Go see a doctor, and get them
to make a detailed note of your injuries. This will stand you in
better stead if you go to court.
As a victim of violence you may be eligible for criminal injuries
compensation. The crime must normally have been reported to the
police. Victim Support can give you further information.
The police may take a statement from you and should let you know if
someone has been arrested and charged, and whether they have been
given bail.
Finally, sort yourself out. Call the National Victim Support Help
Line
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Click
Here for Joson Travel Center --
Hotels - Auto - Airlines
|
