After witnessing helpless pub owners and bouncers stare in terror, as a mob barged into a pub in Mangalore and started assaulting girls, questions about how safe are these watering holes for clubbers arise. Do nightclubs in the city have adequate security measures in place?Yes, claim all the club owners, as they explain in detail their security measures. “We have five bouncers doing the rounds inside the club and they are specifically instructed to show people who misbehave the door,” says Sanjay Mehta of Bottles and Chimneys.
“On Saturdays, we have at least 15 bouncers on duty. As a rule, we ask certain questions to any new face at our pub. And stags are a strict no-no,” reveals Sreekala Reddy, MD of Touch.
Ironically, all the frisking and screening that’s done in pubs is only to keep harmless pub-goers, who can’t be accused of anything more than perhaps getting into a drunken brawl, at bay. There seems to be no mechanism in place to counter a mob attack of any kind.
Pub owners however, feel beefy bouncers with a menacing look are enough to discourage troublemakers. “Our bouncers are alert and monitor the situation closely. As soon as something happens, the higher-ups are informed and the local police station is informed as well,” says B. Eshwar, of Poison.
However, didn’t the Mangalore lounge that was attacked have bouncers as well? Considering the fact that bouncers aren’t allowed to carry weapons on them, are they equipped to handle emergencies?
Proprietors like V. Surender, manager (Franchise Operations), 10 Downing Street think so. “their well-built physique is enough. Plus, guests are screened and they don’t carry arms,” he argues.
Strangely, nobody seems to be worried about the difference between people trying to get into a club to party and a mob wanting to cause trouble.
Cop advice
* Keep the rowdies involved in an argument at the entrance and inform the nearest police station.
* Either call up the cop station or else send a representative. the latter is a better option to ensure that cops can be impressed upon the urgency of the situation so that they accompany the pub representative at the earliest.
* Do not panic, it will only add to the existing chaos if guests start moving all over the place.
* Ensure a proper background check before appointing security personnel or bouncers.
