How Bars Can Prepare for a Safe New Year’s Eve
Table of Contents
Big Night, Big Fun, Safe Fun
New Year’s Eve is big. Lots of folks come to bars. They want to have fun. But bars must keep them safe. This is how to do it.
The bar world is growing. It made $73.23 billion in 2024. That’s a lot! But with big crowds come big risks. Let’s make your bar safe for the big night!
Get Your Team Ready
Your team is the key to a safe night.
Train Them Well
- Teach them what to do if there is a fire
- Show them how to help people get out fast
- Train them to stop fights
Did you know? Bars with good training have 35% less bad things happen on busy nights.
![Staff training session for New Year’s Eve]
Keep Them Safe Too
Your team needs to be safe too. Give them:
- Comfy shoes that don’t slip
- Water to drink all night
- Breaks to rest
Make Your Bar Ready
Your bar needs to be set up right.
Check Your Space
- Mark all exit doors with bright signs
- Put no-slip mats on wet floors – our Rubber Bar Mat works great for this!
- Make sure all lights work
Watch How Many People Come In
Too many people is not safe.
- Know how many people can fit
- Use tickets to control who comes in
- Have someone count at the door
A bar in New York City had 50% less problems when they controlled the crowd this way.
Follow All Rules
The law says bars must do certain things.
Get All Papers
- Check if you need special permits for New Year’s
- Make sure your alcohol license is good
- Look at noise rules – fines go up 300% on New Year’s Eve!
Have Good Insurance
If something goes wrong, you need protection.
- Talk to your insurance person
- Make sure you have enough coverage
- Know what to do if someone gets hurt
Make Your Place Look Nice But Safe
People like a pretty bar on New Year’s Eve. But keep it safe.
Safe Decorations
- Use things that won’t burn
- Keep decorations away from hot lights
- Don’t block exits with big things
Custom Bar Coasters can add fun without any risk!
Good Equipment
- Use glasses that won’t break easy
- Have backup power if lights go out
- Keep Ice Buckets ready for drinks
Watch Your Drinks
Alcohol needs special care on New Year’s Eve.
Buy Smart
- Get more of what people like most
- Don’t buy too much – it can go bad
- Work with good suppliers
Bars that plan well waste 22% less on big nights.
Serve Smart
- Train staff to spot drunk people
- Have lots of water free
- Offer food all night
Be Ready For Problems
Things can go wrong. Be ready.
Medical Help
- Have first aid kits where staff can find them
- Know who on your team can help if someone is hurt
- Keep phone numbers for help close by
Talk Well
- Give staff ways to talk to each other fast
- Have clear signals for problems
- Know how to tell guests if there’s trouble
After The Party
The work isn’t done when the night ends.
- Talk with staff about what went well
- Write down ideas for next year
- Thank guests who come back later
Safety Checklist
Use this list to make sure you’re ready:
| What To Do | When To Do It | Who Does It |
|---|---|---|
| Train all staff | 2 weeks before | Manager |
| Check all exit signs | 1 week before | Security team |
| Test fire alarms | 3 days before | Manager |
| Stock first aid kits | 2 days before | Bar back |
| Set up crowd control | Day of event | Door staff |
| Place PVC Bar Mats | Day of event | Bar back |
| Check IDs at door | During event | Security |
| Monitor guest count | During event | Door staff |
| Offer free water | All night | Bartenders |
| Help with safe rides home | End of night | All staff |
Why Guests Pick Safe Bars
Most people (68%) like to go to bars that look safe. They want to see:
- Guards at the door
- Good checks for fake IDs
- Clean floors with no spills
- Staff who look like they care
Keep Drunk Driving Away
The worst thing on New Year’s Eve is drunk driving. Your bar can help stop it.
- Work with Uber or Lyft for cheap rides
- Put up signs about not driving drunk
- Train staff to help guests find rides
Bars that help with rides cut drunk driving risks by 40%. That’s a lot of lives saved!
![Safe ride home service for bar patrons]
Tools That Help
New things can make your bar safer.
- Apps to count people coming in
- Systems to track how much people drink
- Ways to check IDs fast
What Your Guests Want
Your guests want to have fun, but they also want to be safe. A good New Year’s Eve has:
- Fun music and drinks
- Safe ways to get home
- No fights or too-drunk people
- Nice staff who care
Best Drinks For New Year’s Eve
Some drinks are big hits on New Year’s Eve:
- Champagne – served in glasses on trays
- Fun drinks that look pretty
- Shots that are not too strong
- Lots of water and soft drinks too
Keep your Custom Champagne Bucket ready for the midnight toast!
Money Matters
A safe bar is a money-making bar.
- Less broken things to pay for
- No fines from breaking rules
- Happy guests who come back
- Good name in the town
Get Help If You Need It
You don’t have to do it all alone.
- Talk to other bar owners
- Ask police what they think
- Get tips from your insurance person
- Work with good suppliers
End With A Bang, Not A Crash
New Year’s Eve should end with cheers, not tears. When you keep your bar safe:
- Guests have more fun
- Staff feel good
- You make more money
- Everyone starts the new year right
Make It Your Best New Year Yet
With good plans, your bar will be the place to be. People will talk about how fun and safe it was.
When the clock hits midnight, you’ll know you did it right. And that’s the best way to start a new year in the bar business.
