Event and Venue Management: Minimizing Liability Through Effective Crowd Management Techniques

Abstract

Events are part of a booming industry that continues to grow both domestically and internationally. This increase in popularity has lead to larger and more diverse attendees, making crowd management and crowd control a necessary and integral part of the planning process for any event. This study explores the significance of crowd management and crowd control. It discusses the need for proper operating procedures and the impact of inadequate crowd managment and control. The study also provides and analysis of recent legal opinions depicting both adequate and inadequate crowd management techniques. Crowd managementCrowd control Reasonable care Liability Crowd security Communication Signage Operating procedures under a unified command (Alghamdi, 1993). With the growing significance of crowd management within the realm of tourism, and more specifically sporting events, event managers must develop procedures for efficient and effective crowd management and control. This study will explore the significance of crowd management and the need for proper operating procedures. In addition, the impact of inadequate crowd management and control will be examined through both domestic (United States) and international legal case analysis. Through these legal case analyses, event managers will be able to obtain a valuable understanding of the necessity for crowd control and the preventive measures they can utilize in preparing for an event. Specifically the objectives of this study are to:Events are part of a booming industry that continues to grow both domestically and internationally. As events grow in popularity, attendances also increase. Due to this rapid increase, crowd management and crowd control are now important issues in this industry.Crowd management and crowd control are two distinct but interrelated concepts. The former includes the facilitation, employment, and movement of crowds, while the latter comprises steps taken once a crowd (or sections of it) has begun to behave in a disorderly or dangerous manner. Crowd management procedures involve planning an event, training employees, forming scenarios, and collecting data. Crowd control techniques include creating situation models and decision-making processes needed for the successful direction of equipment and manpower

Implementation of effective alcohol control strategies is needed at large sports and entertainment events

“…Controlling the maximum number of drinks that can be purchased at any one time is a key alcohol‐control tool and should be limited to two standard drinks (or lower) per person per purchase 13,30 . For some events this may need to be reduced to one standard drink during the event, if considered necessary (i.e.…”

“…It should be made clear before the event that intoxicated persons will not be permitted to enter or remain on the premises and this should be reiterated at the venue 5 . Gate staff (ticket takers) should be trained and briefed to look for patrons showing signs of intoxication and be able to easily call on security staff to intervene if required 30 . Security staff should monitor for intoxicated patrons throughout the event and remove them from the venue where necessary.…”

Security officers’ attitudes towards training and their work environment

“…In some states security officers do not have immunity from prosecution for assault and false arrest in either civil or criminal proceedings; thus, they risk losing their ability to work as officers if they are so charged. Hence, private security companies are prompted to develop proper operating procedures (Abbott and Geddie, 2001).…”

Strategies for managing alcohol at large events in New Zealand

“…Ideally, drinks should be served in plastic cups and no glass should be available except in members' lounges and corporate areas. Controlling the maximum number of drinks that can be purchased at any one time is a key alcohol-control tool and should be limited to two standard drinks (or lower) per person per purchase (Abbott & Geddie, 2001;Lenk et al, 2010). For some events, this may need to be reduced to one standard drink during the event, if considered necessary (i.e.…”

“…However, the ability to do this will be affected by the geography of the area around the venue. Gate staff (ticket takers) should be trained and briefed to look for patrons showing signs of intoxication (Abbott & Geddie, 2001). Four main criteria should be used to assess whether a person is intoxicated; speech (e.g.…”