Teesside Bouncers Urged To Take Greater Care This Christmas
Teesside bouncers are being asked to think twice about the wellbeing of people they throw out of clubs over the festive period.
Teesside bouncers are being asked to think twice about the wellbeing of people they throw out of clubs over the festive period.
Almost 80 doormen have signed up for special training today by Cleveland Police and Safe Haven, to help them spot vulnerable partygoers who need extra support.
Almost 80 doorstaff from across the region will meet at Middlesbrough Police Station today to find out what to do if someone is too drunk or vulnerable to look after themselves.
Paul Barnes from Education Training Services will be leading the training.
He spends his weekends working as a Street Marshal in Middlesbrough, and hopes his experience will help the bar staff understand what people really need.
He said: "Door staff or bar staff or anyone involved with ejecting people have a duty of care to make sure they are safe.
"If they walk across the road and get knocked over by a car, was it their fault?
"It takes two seconds to make sure someone's okay."
It's hoped the specialist training will reduce the pressure on the region's emergency services, who are often called out to handle drunk and disorderly partgoers.
Sergeant Paul Higgins works for Cleveland Police Licencing Unit, he says it's about working together.
He said: "Doorstaff do have to eject people from premises.
"It's about making them think about what is going to happen to that person.
"Are they able to get themselves home safely?
"If not, what other agencies can they involve?"
You can find out more about the course HERE.