Can armed security guards provide service in a night club or bar? That has been a question floating around the security guard industry for many, many years. Some guard companies have declined business because of this; some companies have been reported because of this; even law enforcement was unsure if and how to enforce this.
Texas Penal Code section 46.02 (a-2) (c ) Unlawful Carry of Weapons: An offense under this section is a felony of the third degree if the offense is committed on any premises licensed or issued a permit by this state for the sale of alcoholic beverages.
However…
According to Merideth Muñoz, TABC Information Officer, the following code overrides and provides an exemption to security against being in violation of TPC 46.02.
Texas Penal Code Sec. 46.15. NON-APPLICABILITY
(a) Sections 46.02 and 46.03 do not apply to peace officers and neither section prohibits a peace officer from carrying a weapon in this state, regardless of whether the officer is engaged in the actual discharge of the officer’s duties while carrying the weapon.
(a) [amended 9/1/97] Sections 46.02 and 46.03 do not apply to:
(1) peace officers and neither section prohibits a peace officer from carrying a weapon in this state, regardless of whether the officer is engaged in the actual discharge of the officer’s duties while carrying the weapon;
(b) Section 46.02 does not apply to a person who:
(2) is on the person’s own premises or premises under the person’s control , the person is an employee or agent of the owner of the premises and the person’s primary responsibility is to act in the capacity of a security guard to protect persons or property, in which event the person must comply with Subdivision (5);
(5) holds a security officer commission issued by the Texas Board of Private Investigators and Private Security Agencies, if:
(A) the person is engaged in the performance of the person’s duties as a security officer or traveling to and from the person’s place of assignment;
(B) the person is wearing a distinctive uniform; and
(C) the weapon is in plain view;
(7) holds a security officer commission and a personal protection authorization issued
by the Texas Board of Private Investigators and Private Security Agencies and who is providing personal protection under the Private Investigators and Private Security Agencies Act (Article 4413(29bb), Vernon’s Texas Civil Statutes); or
(8) holds an alcoholic beverage permit or license or is an employee of a holder of an alcoholic beverage permit or license if the person is supervising the operation of the permitted or licensed premises.
And there you have it in Black and White!
It is NOT a violation…
Bar or Night Club Owner: Still Apprehensive?
Not sure if TABC will cancel your permit for allowing firearms in your bar or club, (which is normally a violation)?
Sec. 11.61 CANCELLATION OR SUSPENSION OF PERMIT
(e) Except as provided by Subsection (f) or (i), the commission or administrator shall cancel an original or renewal permit if it is found, after notice and hearing, that the permittee knowingly allowed a person to possess a firearm in a building on the licensed premises.
This subsection does not apply to a person:
(1) who holds a security officer commission issued under Chapter 1702, Occupations Code, if:
(A) the person is engaged in the performance of the person’s duties as a security officer;
(B) the person is wearing a distinctive uniform; and
(C) the weapon is in plain view;
Your bar is covered and protected, and the “licensed, armed security guard” is protected as well under these codes.
With that said: what are you waiting for…
SRS is more than happy to service your bar, club or event, trouble-free; our security officers can legally work inside your bar or club with NO violation at all. Give us a call now!
Posted in BODYGUARDS, BUSINESS SECURITY, SECURITY GUARDS, SECURITY LAWS & REGULATIONS, SECURITY TRAINING, SPECIAL EVENT SECURITY Tagged with: Armed security Austin, Armed security in bars, Armed security in clubs, Armed security Texas, Armed security working bars, Armed security working clubs
When visiting a night club or bar, or attending an event, you tend to see bouncers and event security staff. Most concerts and special events have a number of individuals that can be spotted in event or security T-shirts. The question is: Are there security license requirements for bouncers, event security, bar and nightclub security?
It takes much more than a person putting on a shirt that reads “security” to become or act in the capacity of a security officer. Proper training, education and licensing is “required” in order for anyone to perform the duties or present themselves as a guard.
In the state of Texas, it is a criminal offense to carry out any scope of service regarding security-related work without a license – this includes courtesy officers, event staff, and bouncers; if individuals are caught, they can be arrested.
OCC §1702.3875. IMPERSONATING SECURITY OFFICER; OFFENSE.
“A person commits an offense if the person: (1) impersonates a commissioned or non-commissioned security officer with the intent to induce another to submit to the person’s pretended authority or to rely on the person’s pretended acts of a security officer; or
(2) knowingly purports to exercise any function that requires registration as a non-commissioned security officer or a security officer commission. (b) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.”
“In Texas, class A misdemeanors are punishable by up to one year in jail, a fine of up to $4,000, or both jail time and a fine.”
Some club owners/managers and event planners don’t see the potential threat of what could go wrong if patrons or event goers are injured or claim “assault” by any of their security staff members performing guard detail without licensing.
In this day and age, lawsuits are flying everywhere; it behooves all parties involved to spend the extra time and money necessary to obtain all that is required to become a security officer or have those providing security services legally licensed.
Your establishment or brand (e.g. event/wedding planners) could end before it even takes off; you could be slapped with both criminal and civil suits, and the individuals acting as guards could face imprisonment and so on…
The reputation of a business is completely tarnished once the rumor mill begins about lawsuits filed against the business and unlicensed guards arrested for alleged assaults and wrongful detainment, etc.
Club sued for bouncer assaulting patron
In the news:
A nightclub bouncer of San Antonio was arrested for using excessive force. He was charged with aggravated assault (a 2nd degree felony) and may face up to twenty years in prison.
A bouncer was arrested for allegedly stabbing a patron; he was charged with aggravated assault.
Formal training will greatly reduce the odds of having overzealous guards at your establishment; it will also provide them with the necessary skills to be able to respond correctly when met with unruly individuals.
Some of the most valuable lessons are learned in hindsight; however, businesses who hire “security” and those whom assume the duties of security officers can’t afford to approach this situation in hindsight. Ensure all those who are performing guard work are licensed to do so.
If you are unclear of laws and regulations and would like more information on licensing requirements, contact SRS Services for security consultation.
Posted in BODYGUARDS, BUSINESS SECURITY, PERSONAL SECURITY, SECURITY GUARDS, SECURITY LAWS & REGULATIONS, SECURITY MANAGEMENT, SECURITY TRAINING, SPECIAL EVENT SECURITY Tagged with: Licensing Requirements for bar security, Licensing Requirements for Bouncers Texas, Licensing Requirements for Club Security Texas, Licensing Requirements for event security, Security License Austin, Security License Texas, Security Training Texas
Security jobs are easy to come by; with the population growing, increase in businesses, and unfortunately, increase in crime, guard companies are often in need of security officers. So what sets one guard apart from the other? Exactly how do companies go about selecting security guards? When looking for security jobs, here are a few pointers to assist you:
Every step after your initial contact is a Test – starting with your application continuing on throughout your interview… Be sure to Pass!
Guard managers look at everything you do following the initial contact (but not excluding it): from showing up on time, to your appearance, how you fill out the application, how you communicate, how you follow instructions, if you have a great attitude (or not), and so on.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xk86KiVQyw0
Guard companies will specify exactly the position they have available to offer along with shifts, specific locations, hourly rates, etc.; be sure you are able to cover the shifts outlined by the company so that you aren’t wasting your time or that of the guard company’s.
Having prior training and experience helps you land a job as a security officer but some companies don’t require it; meaning, you don’t have to possess skills coming through the door, they may train you in-house (at their establishment) or have you receive training at a security training academy.
One Caveat Here: Not all training is created equal! Do your due diligence before signing up with any academy or security guard school.
If you think for a second that coming to an interview in sweat pants or your hair untamed as if you just rolled out of bed and into the interview, you’re in trouble. Well-groomed, clean-shaven, in business casual attire is always the way to go.
This is a test in itself. If you were given a time to show up for your interview, be sure to get to the location on time. Most guard managers will use this as a gauge to determine if you’ll arrive on a client’s property late as well.
To be on the safe side, arrive ten to fifteen minutes early. You are trying to make a good first impression so why not show your future employer that you are prompt.
A great attitude will take you far; again, this is one of those things guard managers look for. Will you greet the guard company’s clients with smiles, empathy, and genuine care or will you have a negative, non-approachable aura?
The guard industry can use some work in the customer service department, so those candidates who possess great attitudes will be a much better fit than someone showing up with a bad attitude, grumpy, and complaints about everything. Even if the applicant has prior training and experience, a bad attitude will cost him a security job. Bad attitudes are toxic in this profession… well, any profession.
Talking over, interrupting, and over explaining isn’t the way to go when seeking security employment. Listen, and once the interviewer or guard manager is done speaking, then add your words or answer any questions. It isn’t a good look for you to easily anger or go into debate mood when asked questions that need clarification on your application.
If you are unclear about the position being offered, the starting rate, shifts, pay, etc., ask questions before moving forward; this will save you and your future employer lots of time… you have to speak up.
Come to the interview prepared with prior employment addresses/names, references, and any additional documentation such as training certificates or licenses. Have integrity. Make sure you’re not lying or purposely leaving areas blank in hopes of negotiating terms later during the interview.
Again, you more than likely are being judged by the guard manager as to whether or not you can follow simple instructions. There’s a famous quote out there, “How you do one thing is how you do everything;” Nine times out of ten, the security manager will relate those missing areas on your application to you leaving out details in your guard shift report.
If you’ve worked for several security guard companies, don’t neglect listing those companies. Example: If you’ve worked five guard companies in the year of 2015, don’t just list two and leave out the other three… it doesn’t look good on your end; it’s as if you’re trying to hide them.
FYI, guard managers may (should) run a check on DPS’ website and retrieve your security guard background history, so it behooves you to be forthcoming.
Companies look for individuals they can grow with, rely on and invest in. It costs security guard companies money having a revolving door of people who aren’t taking themselves, guard companies, or the profession seriously. If you are sincere about your employment, you will follow these 10 helpful tips to get a security job.
Click here to learn more about security careers in Austin.
Posted in BODYGUARDS, BUSINESS SECURITY, PERSONAL SECURITY, SECURITY GUARDS, SECURITY MANAGEMENT, SECURITY TRAINING, SPECIAL EVENT SECURITY Tagged with: Austin security guard jobs, Austin security job, security employment tips, security job Austin, security jobs in Austin, tips for security employment
When hiring special event security, you definitely don’t want to wait until the last minute; prices are bound to be exorbitant to include the inability for anyone to perform proper planning, and in some cases proper staffing. Special Event Security staff can eliminate “the worry” from your list of things you already have to deal with at your event, IF you hire the right company.
Special occasions occur throughout the year and you want to be sure that your energy spent making plans and preparations is devoted to fulfilling the requirements of your engagement, not focused on whether the security staff is performing their task correctly or at all.
Like any service you’ll want to be sure to contact at least 3 companies after doing your research; but keep in mind, the chances of the sales person that you’re speaking with will NOT be on your property securing your special event. So make sure his/her schmoozing capabilities, and professionalism are passed down to the special event security staff that WILL be at your engagement.
You also want to verify that the special event security staff will be veterans of the company, and not a new group just hired off Craigslist a day before the event which often happens when contracting out with understaffed security providers.
You want to ensure that whatever special event guard sets foot on your premises is professional, trained, and equipped to handle the tasks at hand. Your event is not the time for a security company to “wing it” or try out unknown, untested, and new employees.
When contracting out with a Special Event Security service be realistic and keep liability and safety in mind for not only yourself and the staff but also the guests and customers as well.
Keep in mind if you are hosting the event you are responsible for everyone that is attending including providing a reasonable expectation of safety while there.
Don’t expect one or two special event security guards to provide security for a crowd of 500-1,000 people, which also may include alcohol and a mixed crowd, this is not enough security staff on hand (in this example) and could be seen as negligent should an incident occur.
While most customers focus on price being their main deciding factor when hiring Special Event Security for your event – a lot more must go into that decision making process. Any professional security provider that wants to protect you and themselves must take a hard look at “liability, risk, & exposure concerns”- and then what is it going to take to reduce it for both you, and the security provider; this is an area that SRS takes very seriously.
At SRS, our staff meets with you prior to any event, provides an assessment and solid plan. SRS makes safety recommendations, and places solid security professionals at your event as needed so that your event remains a nice, safe, and memorable time for everyone. We ask that you don’t view security as the “unwanted expense” during your event but to view it as the “incident and liability reducer “that it truly is.
Make sure your event security live up to your expectations; call on SRS Services now, to avoid the risk of being let down.
Posted in BODYGUARDS, SECURITY GUARDS, SPECIAL EVENT SECURITY Tagged with: Austin Event Security, Event security, Guard Services Austin, Security Guard services, Special Event Security
Bodyguard services is a must for celebrities and socialites visiting the Music Capital of the World. Austin, Texas has been coined the “live music capital of the world” because of its hundreds of venues for live music throughout the year. Visitors from all over the country get a chance to explore the notorious “sixth street” and get a full understanding of the phrase “Keep Austin Weird.” With large crowds of people enjoying the festivities, bodyguard services are essential for celebrities and socialites visiting the city.
The celebration of music makes Austin a hub of cultural activity and host of hundreds of celebrities. These celebrities are loved by their fans that would do anything to meet their idols – get their autograph, take their picture, you name it. However, sometimes fans either unintentionally or knowingly cross a limit and may become what the celebrity might perceive as a threat. This makes it very important for such celebrities to have personal bodyguard services on the premises to neutralize any such threat; local law enforcement agencies just don’t have enough manpower to not only tend to the large crowds but also ensure the security of the celebrities at all times – it just isn’t possible.
Personal Protection at Parties
After parties go hand-in hand with music concerts given in Austin. VIPs pay extra money to have that additional special treatment and separate themselves from the rest of the crowd. Celebrities and socialites do their best to stay away from drama-filled atmospheres; the last thing they need is their name slandered in the news. To guarantee no brawls or unwanted guests are on the premises, personal protection services can discreetly step in and escort the unruly guests off the property without incident.
It’s Confidential
Celebrities and socialites have a reputation to protect and want to keep their personal lives private. A big concern is their personal information, e.g. pictures and detailed information regarding them being sold to tabloids and the media. One advantage of contracting with professional bodyguard services is a signed confidentiality agreement with the client that states the company will not disclose any personal information that might have been gained during the bodyguard’s attachment with the client.
Professional bodyguards are highly-trained and equipped with the skills to neutralize and defend their client against any possible external threat. Bodyguards know how to blend in with the crowd or show their presence to discourage those looking for trouble.
Whatever the case maybe,
Publicists, managers, promoters, etc. can relax and let the bodyguard take over and protect the client and assure their peace of mind in the great city of Austin. Some may enjoy the festivities in a calm setting with only a small group, while others may want to get out there and experience the entire aura of Austin. Whether big or small, bodyguard services are a must for celebrities and socialites visiting the Music Capital of the World.
Call on SRS Services, a company you can trust to handle your protection matters discreetly; also be sure to check out our “Compare” page while you shop around for security services.
Posted in BODYGUARDS, BUSINESS SECURITY, SPECIAL EVENT SECURITY