Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/1527945
FALL 2024 • THE ASSINIBOIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 11 "Our industry suffers from break-ins, business hours robberies, and internal theft," he explains. "Break-ins are generally after hours and happen in locations that are remote or have dark or hidden entrances. Thefts during business hours are either the rare hold-ups or the more common walk-in and take things because nobody is going to stop them. The internal theft is most often cash fraud, phantom payroll, or embezzle- ment." To combat after-hours issues, Louie recommends video surveillance, monitored alarm systems, good locks, and automatic or motion lights. To discourage internal theft, Louie says cameras on the bars, liquor storage, and cash drawers are assets. Additionally, The Gates uses surprise audits and spot-check inventory as a deterrent. Depending on the location, some hospitality venues face additional security concerns, such as physical threats, aggressive panhandling, vagrancy, and suspicious or threatening loitering. Louie explains that adapting procedures to keep staff and staff property safe is vital to creating a safe workplace atmosphere. "We keep our parking lots well-lit, and we always have people leaving in pairs so that they are never walking to their cars alone, and we allow bikes to be locked up inside buildings," he says. "We ensure that buildings or areas that are closed are locked down so that there are never surprises with intruders getting into closed spaces. We have surveillance for both live monitoring as well as recorded reference so that we can refer to specific incidents involving staff or guests." Despite what you might see in movies or television, as a guest, your information and financials are handled with the utmost care. Louie explains that once a transaction is completed, no credit card information is kept on file; it is processed and then securely discarded. Booking files containing addresses and other personal details are locked in offices at night and never shared publicly. A collaborative LinkedIn article from August 2023 on how to stop theft and fraud in a hospitality business echoes and elaborates on Louie's advice. The top six tips include implementing clear policies and procedures, using technology and tools, segregating duties and responsibilities, fostering a positive culture and environment, and conducting regular audits and reviews. Louie's practices exemplify many of these principles. To combat after-hours issues, Louie recommends video surveillance, monitored alarm systems, good locks, and automatic or motion lights. By Kristin Marand T he hospitality and events industry is an exciting line of work; every event or occasion is unique. However, during a bustling dinner service or large-scale event, security needs to remain top of mind to ensure the safety of patrons, staff, and the business itself. Ray Louie, vice president and general manager of The Gates on Roblin, explains some of the most common security concerns for his industry and discusses how his team works towards prevention. Do you have your people plan in place? Connect with experts at People First HR for customized solutions that meet your organization's needs. • Career management • Professional & management recruitment • Executive search • Strategic HR consulting • HR @ your service Visit peoplefirsthr.com to learn more. lchammartin@peoplefirsthr.com | 204.940.3979 He points out that though inventory spot checks and audits may be a "surprise," they are procedures his staff is aware of and accountable for. He creates the right culture and environment by addressing staff and patron safety and uses several forms of technology to monitor transactions, from paying the bill to after-hours security.