It’s disheartening to see this violence continue, especially when we know how much effort goes into creating a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone. As someone who’s spent years in the security sector, I’ve seen firsthand the consequences of these altercations, it took awhile for me to come to terms with some of my ‘incidents’, some of which I’m sure I’ll share at some point.
When violence erupts, it potentially puts lives at risk but also tarnishes the reputation of the venues involved, including (allegedly) being given a ‘black mark’ by the council and police who are in complete, frankly totalitarian, control of licensing. It’s a lose-lose situation for everyone, from the staff and door staff trying to maintain order to the customers just looking to have a good time; and let’s not forget about the mental health impact on police and ambulance services who have to deal with the fallout.
There are always lessons to be learned from incidents in clubs. One of the things I’ve really recognised in my time is the amount of damage the ‘winning’ side takes.
Once when I was working (not in Cambridge I should add), I had to get someone out of a venue who had become violent. I managed to them them halfway down the stairs to a landing where I was headbutted repeatedly, splitting my lip badly and bruising my face. of course with some tactical advantage (I wasn’t drunk) we managed to get the person out, who then later came back saying he had a knife, threatening to “kill us all.”
I’m bloody and bruised, he’s in a police van; Who ‘won’? I suppose I managed to do my job successfully, but my mum certainly didn’t think of it that way when she woke up to me digging through a first aid kit when I got home.
Reflecting on my own experiences, I’m reminded of the inherent risks and challenges that come with maintaining safety in nightlife environments. While incidents of violence may be relatively rare, they underscore the importance of proactive measures and vigilance in preventing and managing conflicts before they escalate. It’s a sobering reminder of the ongoing work that’s needed to uphold the safety, integrity, and reputation of our venues while prioritising the safety and well-being of everyone involved.
I think it’s important for me to add, that violent incidents in Cambridge, are relatively rare. Cambridge remains one of the safest places to party in the UK, as noted by our Purple Flag award, which means “Cambridge is officially a safe and vibrant place to visit between 17:00 and 05:00″.
I’d like to see a lot more recognition for the hard work that door staff do to keep our venues safe. Unlike police, there is no support structures in place to help those working in the security industry after an incident, there’s often low pay, sometimes below national minimum wage, and a rather dim view of them from the public, usually on the basis they didn’t let you in that one time because you were drunk “when you weren’t,” but you were.
In wrapping up, the recent surge in violence across clubland really hits close to home, shedding light on the inherent risks and trials we face in the nightlife industry. With years under my belt in security, I’ve seen firsthand how these altercations can spiral out of control, leaving lasting scars on individuals and venues alike. It’s disheartening to witness lives endangered and reputations marred by needless violence, reminding us of the crucial need to prioritise safety and accountability in our nightlife spaces. While these incidents are rare, they serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing work needed to ensure the well-being of all involved. Moving forward, let’s strive to foster a culture of mutual respect and responsibility, where violence has no place, and where the dedication of door staff is acknowledged and celebrated.
We can do better Cambridge, let’s start tonight.
