Bouncers and barstaff are to be taught to use handcuffs to restrain rowdy customers: Is this a good idea?

Question

http://observer.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story/0,,1869030,00.html

Answer 1

I thought that publicans were responsible for running an orderly house, not doing police work.

Answer 2

Yes I do agree with that but with conditions. This action of restraint should only be used for the most violent offenders. Some men who come into your bar can be quite large and if they are drugged up on coke,meth and or alchohol you are going to have a hell of a time getting this monster out the door, kung-fu grip or not. Also, when outside, these guys will destroy whatever they can get ahold of...busting out windows, throwing trashcans...bricks. The other condition is that the cooler or door manager be the only one with the cuffs. They are usually the most senior member and most experienced. They should also take a class from a local police unit on the proper application of the cuffs. Cuffs can also provide for the safety of the offender as well under many different circumstances.

I think handcuffs would be a very useful tool for a bouncer who has the training, temperment and judgement to use them appropriately.

Answer 3

From what I read in the provided article, bouncers and I suppose some barstaff already use some methods of restraint, probably in the form of a martial arts technique. If someone is trained in the proper method of applying handcuffs on a disorderly patron, it probably is more humane and less likely to result in fewer injuries. Besides, it is being presented as an option, and if an option that is an improvement over the current procedure exists, it's actually a benefit.

Answer 4

I think it is a good idea in theory, but in practice it might prove to be bad. In theory, it is replacing street fighting and martial arts skills with police take downs and handcuffs. Police take downs and handcuffs are less likely to hurt the rowdy customer significantly and should subdue the customer quicker, and it is regulating bouncer training, which should be good. However this, like most if not all authority in the past, will be abused by some bouncers. Those bouncers are the ones that are already abusing their power, so I don't think it will make a significant difference in those that abuse their authority, but the ones that just aren't trained to subdue well will be less likely to hurt someone by accident. So I kinda like it, but it doesn't affect me much anyway.

Answer 5

Absolutely not. At least, not withou other training as well. Trying to put someone in handcuffe is a risky business for the untrained and could result in serious injury to the bartender or other employees. Besides, that could be considered as a form of unlawful imprisonment since those people do not have any real authority to do so. Not to mention the number of lawsuits that could be filed by those who had been handcuffs claiming some sort of injury that, win or lose would tie up the courts, and cost the bar in court and attorney's fees, thus raising the price drinks.

Answer 6

Ive not heard anything about this .. i work at a club part time . Bouncers fair enough cos i personnally think they dont have enough authority in some situations, but bar staff? i mean come on! lol We're over worked and under paid as it is! there aint no way in hell im gonna hand cuff someone and risk that person lamping me one in the process! If they started paying me as much as bouncers get then yeah maybe i would ..

Answer 7

I use to work in a nightclub and at a bar and yes it does seem like a good idea but i don't think that i know 1 member of bar staff that would walk in to a centre of a flight and whip out handcuffs that is just asking for trouble.

Answer 8

Yeah, been in too many clubs/bars with rowdy drunk off their asses people! Seen too many fights there. Yes they need to know that stuff......and if you're worried about people abusing their authority I doubt if it happens, I've seen an out of control bouncer get jumped too

Answer 9

i have work behind a bar, and i know that in australia, you as bar staff are responsible for every single person that walks in the door, so if a cop comes in and you have a drunk person in there that wont leave you get fined like $3000, just because he is on the premesis.

I think its abit drastic but we are responsible for everyone and if that what it takes to get them out, so be it.

Have you ever tried to kick a drunk or rowdy preson out of a bar?? it aint easy when you have on right to touch them, we have to look after the people in the bar that are doing the right thing.

Answer 10

I was pushed down some stairs by a bouncer in Febuary & broke my leg in half, I cant wait till its fully recovered im gonna smash the fat fcukers face in.