Barroom Aggression in Hoboken, New Jersey: Don't Blame the Bouncers!

Abstract

Relying on a structured observation guide listing a large number of variables shown to be good predictors of aggression in bars by past researchers, trained observers spent a total of 444 hours collecting data in 25 licensed drinking establishments in Hoboken, New Jersey. Observations took place at two separate time periods, 7:30pm-10:30pm and 11:00pm-2:00am, on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. Logistic regression analyses revealed the absence of bouncers and doormen as the strongest predictor of aggression in Hoboken barrooms. This is a particularly important finding considering the frequency with which bouncers and doormen are vilified in the available research on barroom aggression. Several practical prevention strategies aimed at reducing aggression in bars are proposed.

Indicators of Club Management Practices and Biological Measurements of Patrons’ Drug and Alcohol Use

“…Although security practices have been found strongly related to bar violence and disorder (Graham et al, 2006; Graham et al, 2012; Homel et al, 2004; Roberts, 2007; Wells et al, 2009) the relation of security practices to patron’s heavy drinking or drug use had not been examined. It is possible that security practices are mainly focused on controlling aggressive/disorderly behaviors, rather than preventing drug or heavy alcohol use.…”

“…Prior studies have found security practices to be strongly related to violence and disorder (e.g., rowdy behavior) in bars (Graham, Bernards, Osgood, & Wells, 2006; Graham et al, 2012; Homel, Carvolth, Hauritz, McIlwain, & Teague, 2004; Roberts, 2007; Wells, Graham, & Tremblay, 2009). However, the relation of security practices to patron’s heavy drinking or drug use has not been examined, although these may be important indicators for substance use.…”

Wet Laws, Drinking Establishments and Violent Crime

“…Tomsen (), Graham et al . (, ) described incidents in which bouncers and doormen clearly contributed to barroom violence, while Roberts () found that violence was more likely to erupt in bars that did not employ bouncers.…”

“…Reynolds and Harris (2006) interviewed servers and managers at 21 restaurants, documenting the various tactics used to diffuse situations involving rude and potentially violent customers Tomsen (1997),Graham et al (2000Graham et al ( , 2005. described incidents in which bouncers and doormen clearly contributed to barroom violence, whileRoberts (2007) found that violence was more likely to erupt in bars that did not employ bouncers.4 Using crime data from Los Angeles,Chang and Jacobson (2014) examined the relationship between marijuana dispensaries and crime. They found that crime increased in the immediate vicinity of dispensaries ordered to close.…”

Alcohol with an attitude: Reducing aggression in drinking establishments through interior design

“…It was also found that aggression was more likely in specific types or genres of drinking establishments. Roberts (2007) found that aggression was more likely to occur in drinking establishments other than what he describes as, "watering holes." Watering holes provide no real entertainment other than prerecorded music and the occasional dartboard or pool table.…”