Palace Nightclub receives NightSafe award
Navan’s popular Palace Nightclub has just been awarded the Irish Nightclub Industry Association’s (INIA) prestigious NightSafe award, for industry best practice.
NightSafe evaluates nightclubs against objective criteria in key operational areas of fire safety, risk management, security management, noise control, crowd control, and responsible serving of alcohol. The evaluation process is undertaken by Barry O’Sullivan of the INIA, together with an independent assessor from the insurance industry.
Darren Kavanagh, accepted the award on behalf of his team in the Palace, commented “We had to invest a lot of time, money and work, to satisfy all of the criteria. We are absolutely delighted to have completed the process and to get the award.
“The award of Nightsafe demonstrates our commitment to providing the best possible service to our customers, and to ensure that all those who visit the Palace continue to have an enjoyable evening in a safe and secure environment.”
The Chief Executive of the INIA, Barry O’Sullivan, added “Meath and indeed Leinster has some excellent nightclubs, and we hope more of them will follow in the pioneering footsteps of the Palace and apply for the Nightsafe award. The initiative is about setting and raising standards, and every nightclub will benefit from taking part.”
Foundry Nightclub is First Recipient of Industry Best Practice Award
The Foundry Nightclub, Carlow, has become the first nightclub in Ireland to be awarded the Irish Nightclub Industry Association’s prestigious NightSafe award for best practice regarding nightclubs’ fire safety, security management, noise and crowd control, and responsible serving of alcohol.
The award builds on the long-established success of the Foundry as a safe and popular venue for people to socialise, and reinforces its status as an industry leader for Irish nightclubs.
Speaking about the award, Barry O’Sullivan commented, “The Foundry stands out, as an exemplary nightclub for others to benchmark themselves against. By achieving this award, the Foundry firmly establishes it commitment to providing safe, sensible and social nights out.
Eugene McGovern accepted the award on behalf of the Foundry and commented, “We are delighted to be a part of the initiative, and also to be the first club in Ireland to achieve the standard. Other people’s socialising is serious business for us. We have invested a lot of time, money and effort to ensure we are the best at what we do, and that our business is as responsible and secure as possible. We recognise that is the only way to build a long term and sustainable business in the local community and we look forward to continuing to do so into the future.”
Pictured left, Barry O’Sullivan, INIA, presenting the NightSafe award to Eugene McGovern of the Foundry Nightclub.
NightSafe is launched
The Irish Nightclub Industry Association (INIA), has today Tuesday 20th July 2010 launched NightSafe, an initiative to set and raise standards in nightclubs across Ireland. Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Dermot Ahern TD and Garda Commissioner Fachtna Murphy attended the launch of the NightSafe initiative today in Krystle Nightclub, Dublin.
NightSafe is a national best practice initiative and awards scheme for the Irish Nightclub Industry. NightSafe helps nightclub operators achieve regulatory compliance, introduces heightened requirements for responsible trading, and also gives the participants insights into best practice in key operational areas. As part of the scheme, operators are required to develop various policy documents and procedures, in areas such as Crowd Control, Security Management, Fire Safety, Noise Control, Risk Management, Drugs, and the Responsible Serving of Alcohol. The NightSafe programme also includes reference documents, some new and existing training initiatives, and an award scheme following an independent audit.
Commenting on the announcement, Barry O’Sullivan, Chief Executive of The INIA said, “NightSafe has been inspired by some of the best nightclub operators in the country, and with this initiative we hope to make the experience of going to nightclubs better, safer and more enjoyable.” He went on to say “NightSafe encourages social responsibility among nightclub owners, operators and management. It gives them very clear insights into creating and maintaining a safe environment for socialising, with the ultimate goal of promoting sensible, safe and sociable nights out.”
Pictured at the launch were [ l to r ] Oliver Hughes of Lillies Bordello and INIA Chairman, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Dermot Ahern TD, Barry O’Sullivan Chief Executive INIA, and Garda Commissioner Fachtna Murphy
INIA runs pilot training course for Door Supervisors
Door Supervisors in Ireland [ security staff working in Nightclubs and indeed all licensed premises ] are licensed by the Private Security Authority. The training requirements to achieve the licence are covered under IS 999:2004.
Unfortunately the training falls short of training the security staff in the physical aspects of dealing with non-compliant or violent customers / individuals. Everyday in the Door Supervisors workplace, they have to deal with refusing entry, deal with customers who have been refused service, and a host of other tasks, which can lead to conflict. The PSA have identified this training gap, but are a number of years away from the solution. Following feedback from our members, the INIA have sought to introduce a training programme to solve this issue.
The INIA recently ran two pilot courses, developed by MAYBO, the conflict specialists from the UK. The first one day course, was in Conflict Management, and the second one day course, was on Physical Intervention, covering break away techniques, escorting, and restraint skills. For further information, see www.maybo.com
The SIA [ PSA equivalent in the UK ] has recently announced, that from June 2010 new Door Supervisors entering the workplace, will have to have undergone training in disengagement and escorting. The awarding bodies are currently finalising their physical intervention qualifications that will match the requirements of the SIA.
The pilot courses were attended by Nightclub Managers, Security Managers and Door supervisors from nightclubs around Ireland. Pictured at the handing over of completion certificates are Stephen Heffernan of Serima1, Maybo's licensed partner in Ireland, and Barry O'Sullivan CEO of the INIA.
INIA supports European Night Without Accidents
The INIA has been working with the Road Safety Authority and the HSE North East, in the roll out of this european initiative, in Ireland. The initiative, aimed at helping young people make responsible decisions, in relation to appointing a designated driver, and not driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. It takes place in over 200 nightclubs in 27 countries. The 2009 campaign in Ireland, saw activities taking place in Letterkenny, Cavan, Naas, Castlebar, Navan, Carrickmacross, Carlow, Waterford and Dundalk. The INIA is committed together with it’s partners to developing this very worthwhile initiative. For Further information, CLICK HERE
INIA launches “Drugs Awareness in your premises” training
January 2009 The Irish Nightclub Industry Association [ INIA ] announced the roll out of a new training initiative aimed at raising awareness of drug related problems and educating owners, operators, management and staff of licensed premises, of their roles, rights and responsibilities when dealing with such problems. Pictures here [ left to right ] are Chief Superintendent Pat Leahy of Store Street Garda Station, Mary Kennedy, Coordinator of the course, and Barry O’Sullivan, Chief Executive of the Irish Nightclub Industry Association. For further details of the course, content and schedules, please see www.alcohol.ie
