Eyes on the Prize
Monitoring Assets With Surveillance Systems 

Sure, many low-key venue owners avoid having security cameras. It makes the guests, who don’t like the feeling they are being watched, uncomfortable, they say. VIP customers especially are looking for more privacy. Still other owners fear documentation of their own negligence. But for operators looking to cover their assets, surveillance equipment, if done discretely and inconspicuously, can be a major plus. 

Eye in Disguise
“A camera recording the main entrance is a must at any high-volume establishment,” says Randy Andrews, co-founder of EYESthere, a digital video security provider. “Not only will it allow you to schedule staff accordingly by revealing your peak business hours, it also will improve customer service by helping your doorman or hostess to identify both VIP and banned clientele. “While some nightclub owners may think that they only need cameras recording inside, what goes on beyond the threshold is just as important,” Andrews says. “In addition to installing over 50 cameras inside, (one club with whom Andrews worked) mounted several cameras in the parking lot and surrounding alleys. When a hit-and-run occurred one evening, the owners reviewed the digital video and provided the license plate of the vehicle in question to the local police.” Cameras don’t just document guest wrongdoings, they give you proof of dishonesty among staff. “Regardless of company policy, bartenders often show their appreciation to repeat customers with a complimentary drink or two,” Andrews says. “Aiming cameras toward the bar will show just how many drinks are poured versus paid for during a given shift.” 

Video Tips
Here are a few tips Andrews offers for keeping your customers happy, your costs in check and your reputation intact:

1 ”Always cover the entry and exit points first,” Andrews says.“Mount the camera across the room and use a good widedynamic range camera to minimize glare when the door is opened. A zoom lens, angled low enough to get under a baseball cap, should be focused from the belt to the face to capture any distinguishingcharacteristics of each person. 

2 ”The bulk of your inventory cost comes from liquor and meat products. A good bullet camera inside the meat cooler and liquor storage area will help you to keep track of how much is used and when.   

3 ”If you can afford it, cover all the bars and general areas of the nightclub. Many liability claims that can put your license at risk derive from clients falsely claiming you over-served them. Being able to systematically review every place the patron went, camera by camera, can prove exactly how many drinks were served and in howmuch time. 

4 “Consider an ID-scanning system that allows you to flag banned customers and reward your VIPs. Doing so will boost customer satisfaction and eliminate potential problems as the night progresses.  

5 “Consider backing up a few critical cameras like the front door and cover booth on DVD. One year of DVD backup on these cameras can alleviate a common scam: Months after an alleged incident, clients bring suit against you, even though they were not even there. They assume you can’t prove anything, but with that backup,their case holds no water.”