The safety of personnel and clients is the top priority for every division of the food service sector. Security systems and safety protocols are crucial to ensure that workers may enter and exit the restaurant securely and that customers can enjoy their stay at your restaurant. While late hours and alcohol sales can result in increased revenues, they also put businesses at greater risk. Since violent crime is prevalent in the fast industry, chains and franchises must implement safety protocols. Locally run businesses also gain from taking security measures.
Restaurants frequently prioritise food safety, but it’s also vital to consider physical security. With businesses that provide alcohol or are open late, this becomes even more crucial. Here are the best security tips for restaurants.
1. Access control system
An access control system is essential to ensure that only people with permission can enter certain areas of your restaurant.
Think about restricting access to:
- only accessible to staff, such as storage rooms
- offices or spaces where a safe is kept
- back entrances and side entrances
You must consider your access requirements, points of entry, and budget when selecting an access control system because numerous types are available.
Having said that, a keypad entry system is one of restaurants’ best access control solutions. Keypad devices are excellent for interior doorways to secure staff-only rooms and additional entrances. As the restaurant owner or primary admin, you can control which staff members have access to specific areas.
Look for a keypad access control system that integrates with a mobile app when selecting one for your restaurant. In this manner, staff members may find their way around the restaurant and enter a PIN to gain admission.
2. Safe cash handling strategies
Your POS system terminals will handle the majority of the cash and payments at your business. However, cash transfers from these terminals to your safe can be risky.
Before committing a crime, serious thieves conduct their research; they’ll probably notice if you develop a pattern. As a result, move money from POS terminals at different times throughout the day. Additionally, transfer money periodically to prevent significant cash accumulations at each POS station.
Employees should generally avoid counting money in front of customers. This can result in someone assessing your restaurant’s typical revenue and perhaps it can across as impolite. Acts committed in the spur of the moment can be just as damaging as more calculated crimes.
It is recommended that you allow your guests to order and pay online using a QR code menu to avoid receiving cash from them.
3. Invest in security systems
Invest in restaurant security systems that will respond to, prevent, and even record crimes or other situations most effectively and efficiently to take advantage of modern technology.
Alarm systems
Accidents can happen to everyone, even if you don’t give much thought to crime. A decent old-fashioned alarm system works well for deterring thieves. Instead of relying on neighbours to call the police, many security systems today may be connected to a phone network to inform you and the authorities instantly. For instance, you’ll want a smoke detector that can immediately alert the fire department if someone leaves the fryer on overnight so that damage is minimal.
Proper Lighting
It’s critical to keep your business’s interior and parking area well-lit throughout the day. A well-lit location has a far lower likelihood of experiencing vandalism and other crimes. In addition to the value that safety adds to your reputation, giving your customers and employees peace of mind is well worth the cost of electricity. It’s a good idea to connect your interior lights to switches that activate when someone enters a room. This discourages wrongdoers from carrying out their intentions and may even save your personnel from getting hurt or stumbling over anything that would not be seen in low light.
4. Employee screening
Before new workers begin working for you, your restaurant staff hiring procedure should include a complete background check. A call to their previous managers is required if they have prior industry experience. Employees who have stolen or been dishonest in the past were probably fired without facing any legal repercussions.
Your code of conduct should have precise instructions regarding what access employees are granted, such as free meals and drinks. In your restaurant’s training manual, you should detail all areas of cash management and tip-collecting procedures for staff. Consider using cloud security measures to safeguard your employees and reduce risks if you store training materials and other sensitive employee data in the cloud.
5. Closing shift training for employees
You should discuss the dangers of closing the restaurant with your closing shift staff. Always use the buddy system when the lights go out, and all POS systems have been emptied of cash. On closing shift, nobody should ever be by themselves (yourself included).
Give your staff a security checklist for the restaurant, including locking any doors to restricted areas like offices and storage spaces. Additionally, you should teach staff members how to secure any potential dangers, such as kitchen gas stoves.
Conclusion
For the sake of your business, maintaining restaurant security is essential. After all, it’s your responsibility to safeguard your assets, personnel, and visitors. Creating crucial restaurant security measures, such as employee screening, assuring responsible alcohol serving, and implementing secure cash handling protocols, can increase security at your operation.
The security of your restaurant will be significantly enhanced by purchasing the proper hardware, such as surveillance cameras and an access control system.
