How Event Security Guards Maintain Safety on New Year’s Eve

Many Canadians’ favourite holiday, New Year’s Eve, is a chance to get together with friends, attend parties, and end the year with a bang. However, this night of celebration can lead to dangerous circumstances if events are not properly organized with event security in place. In this blog, we’ll discuss some risks associated with New Year’s Eve events and how event security guards prevent them. 

Why Is Event Security Necessary for New Year’s Eve Celebrations?

Event security is critical for the safety of any public or ticketed event. This is especially true for New Year’s Eve when excitement is at an all-time high and alcohol is often involved. Event security guards ensure that events run safely and smoothly, from entry to exit. If a safety or security incident arises, organizers and venue staff rely on event security guards to manage the situation swiftly. 

Here’s how they do it:

Crowd Control 

Many New Year’s Eve celebrations, especially free public events, draw large crowds. Events with disorganized crowds often lead to chaos, injury, and discontented attendees. Event security guards organize lineups, clear emergency exit routes, and monitor crowds for signs of disruptive behaviour. 

Learn more about how security guards control crowds in our previous blog. 

Bag Checks and Access Control

Event security guards check attendee bags and tickets prior to entry. Bag checks ensure a safe, weapon-free venue. In addition to weapons, security guards will look for illegal substances, alcoholic beverages, and other items as required by the venue. On New Year’s Eve, security guards will examine bags closely for fireworks, firecrackers, and other combustible items. 

Prior to entry, event security guards check attendee tickets. Ticket checks often occur immediately after bag checks to ensure orderly lineup formation and quick entry. 

Watching for Unruly Behaviour

New Year’s Eve events tend to be highly active, especially when alcohol is involved. Security guards will watch crowds closely for signs of disruptive behaviour, which may include:

• Verbal abuse
• Aggressive body language
• Argumentative behaviour
• Excessive profanity
• Conflict instigation
• Property or equipment damage
• Physical altercations

Should a security guard witness any of these behaviours, they will address the individual and escort them off of the premises if they are unable to cool down. 

Monitoring Alcohol Consumption

In addition to general unruly behaviour, event security guards will monitor for signs of alcohol overconsumption. This might include people who are unsteady on their feet, slurring their words, or, in serious scenarios, unconscious. If a security guard sees someone who has lost consciousness, they will bring them to the venue’s medical area where they will be supervised until they become alert and make contact with a trusted individual. If necessary, security guards will call for emergency assistance. 

Security guards may also facilitate ID checks at the entrance point of 19+ events, or verify IDs and hand out alcohol wristbands to of-age attendees at all-ages events.

At the end of the event, security guards can help ensure that inebriated individuals do not drive home. Guards can work with venue staff to organize taxi or rideshare pickups for these attendees. New Year’s Day has the highest vehicular fatality rate of the year, which makes it critical for venue organizers and their security teams to be vigilant for potential drunk drivers exiting their events. 

Coordinating with Emergency Services

A key part of an event security guard’s role is coordinating with emergency services when necessary. This can include police, emergency medical responders, or firefighters. Police officers are typically present during large public New Year’s Eve events to help maintain order and provide a sense of safety for attendees. Event security guards will regularly communicate and coordinate with officers to address disruptive and unsafe behaviour, report illegal activities, and provide important reporting information. 

When emergency medical responders and firefighters are required at an event, security guards will ensure their route into and through the venue is clear and assist first responders if necessary. At Blackbird Security, our security guards receive Standard First Aid training through our in-house training program, Blackbird Academy, enabling them to provide life-saving assistance to attendees experiencing a medical emergency. 

Managing VIP Areas

For events with a VIP area, event security guards will be stationed around the area’s perimeter to ensure the space remains private for VIP attendees. Security guards check tickets or wristbands before allowing attendees into VIP areas. 

Partner With Blackbird Security for Your Next Event

Any successful New Year’s Eve celebration or organized event requires experienced event security guards who understand the unique security challenges associated with large-scale events. Blackbird Security guards are equipped to handle any situation that may arise during your event with professionalism and expertise. Our team has safeguarded numerous high-profile events and concerts in major Canadian cities including Vancouver, Calgary, and Toronto. 

Get in touch with us through the form below to learn how we can help secure your upcoming large-scale event.