Robert C. Smith of Nightlife Hospitality Consultants gives EXPO attendees a preview of his upcoming seminar on one of the most crucial areas of club security.

(NOTE: This story appears in the May 2025 issue of ED Magazine.)

From crowd control nightmares to tragic mishaps that make nationwide headlines, nightclub security is more than patting down patrons, checking IDs and scanning bags. With liability at an all-time high, it’s time the adult nightclub industry took a long, hard look at who’s protecting whom. This year, the EXPO’s security seminar will tackle entertainer safety and expand on how club owners can provide a safe environment for their entertainers without feeling boxed in by legal semantics.

“In many instances, club owners are worried about encouraging their entertainers to go to these security seminars because their entertainers are independent contractors,” says Robert Smith of Nightlife Security Consultants. “The number one reason is liability; there are so many club owners and managers worried about the entertainment contract.

“Sometimes it is all about presenting them with the options, and if two show up, that’s great!” Smith adds, referring to his security trainings. According to Smith, entertainers will often talk amongst themselves about the security trainings, giving each other gathered information.

One of the key areas often overlooked, Smith notes, is the importance of separating working and personal relationships.

“Oftentimes when I work with, typically, male bouncers, I have to get them to understand that the female entertainers are just doing a job and they have to separate job from friendship,” says Smith.

While this is an ongoing matter in many clubs, Smith urges security staff to see entertainers as an asset to the club, rather than a personal interest, stating that once it becomes personal, situations become compromised.

“Security guards need to understand the entertainer’s true value because, without these entertainers, you just have a regular club,” exclaims Smith.

Like any other establishment, clubs have a responsibility to keep their entertainers safe and it begins with boundaries. Smith elaborates on the significance of communication between the entertainer and club management regarding customers and colleagues.

“Their job, as entertainers, is to provide a fantasy, but some club guests don’t understand boundaries,” explains Smith, noting that there are occasions where the manager or security need to step in to protect the entertainer. “You may have a whale that comes three times a month who spends four or five grand a night, buying a bottle of champagne every hour and drinks to excess. Suddenly, you ask yourself ‘How do we turn that down?’ You may have to tell the entertainers not to drink with him or if he’s trying to grope her you have to keep her safe.”

Smith also points to the importance of the club and the entertainers establishing boundaries early on, so when the dancer is in a uncomfortable situation, she can go to management and feel fully supported.

“You have to set the standard,” Smith explains, mentioning that the relationship between the entertainer and the club owner/ manager must be one of mutual respect. “As a club owner, you need to protect those assets because they are the ones that make your club money. If the trust is there, there will be far fewer problems in the future.”

For more information, visit www.nightclubsecurity.com or email Robert at rsmith@nightclubsecurity.com.