Benefits and Considerations of CCTV Systems for Restaurants and Cafes

CCTV systems offer many benefits for those in various retail industries, but those who run restaurants and bars get particular benefits and face particular risks and concerns when they decide to mount security cameras in their place of business. If you own or manage a restaurant, bar or café, take these benefits, risks and recommendations into consideration when deciding whether to install a security camera or when shopping for CCTV systems for your business.

Benefits of CCTV Systems for Bars and Restaurants

Shrinkage in the restaurant business is slightly different in the restaurant business than it is in other retail settings. You may be losing money to employee theft, employee inefficiency and “dine and dash” theft. The most obvious of these is dine and dash theft. A security camera can help your employees spot it before it happens and step in to politely prevent it from happening. A CCTV system is also a good way to pinpoint where you’re losing inventory to employee errors, inefficiency and deliberate theft. The cash savings alone can pay for the security camera within just a few months.

Crowded bars and emotionally charged events such as sporting events or weekend dance nights are a setup for fights and other violence. The presence of a surveillance camera can help prevent violence – many people are on much better behavior when they know they’re being watched. If a fight does break out, a CCTV system can help pinpoint the source and provide evidence in case of a lawsuit or court case.

By the same token, a CCTV system can help keep your employees safe from lawsuits and legal penalties. Many dance and entertainment venues place a security camera at the entrance to capture ID checks in an effort to protect themselves from charges of catering to underage drinkers. A well-placed security camera can also protect your employees from charges of rough handling when they have to step in to ask patrons to leave – or assist them in leaving your premises.

Risk Considerations When Placing CCTV Systems in Restaurants

When designing a CCTV system for your bar or restaurant, it’s important to be very aware of privacy concerns for both your employees and your customers. Place security cameras in public areas, including the foyer and entrance, the dining rooms and bars, stockrooms and kitchens. Keep them out of the bathrooms and employee break rooms, where they may invade personal privacy and put you at risk of lawsuits.

Parking lots can be a dangerous hub for fights and other activities. A surveillance camera allows you to keep an eye on the parking lot so that you can intervene or notify authorities to intervene if necessary.

Do a security audit of your location and your business to determine if your restaurant would benefit from CCTV systems or a security camera system. If you think your establishment would benefit from higher security, consult with a CCTV systems professional to help design the right security system for your needs.