Louise- Fraser BennettWITH the likelihood of increased patrons, night club operators will be increasing their security this Christmas season.
This means there will be more plainclothes security eating and drinking with patrons.
Many patrons are usually concerned about their safety at night clubs, especially in the Yuletide season when they feel a number of "rudies" are present.
But, club operators are saying they will have everything under control.
The Cactus Nightclub will put in place a tighter security system with patrons going through "a cleaner search."
According to Marlon Bailey, spokesperson for the club, "Everyone will be subjected to a search with the use of metal detectors or by hand. But, we will be extra careful because we expect more people to support us during the holidays."
Mr. Bailey explained, however, that they have never ignored that security was a priority as they expect patrons who support them for the first time to return.
The security at Club Classique, Santa Cruz, St. Elizabeth has always been alert. On three recent visits the security personnel there ensured that everyone was searched. Some patrons who tried escaping this routine were pulled back and told, no search, no entrance to the club.
Parla Ashley, Manager Club Classique told THE WEEKEND STAR they will certainly increase security this Christmas. "During holidays we have more security because we get a lot of people passing through Santa Cruz. Sometimes there are up to three bus-loads of people who are coming from nearby beaches so we have to prepare to deal with it.
"We use a metal detector which detects any type of weapons including knives and guns. Even if a fire-arm holder has a gun he/she never usually allowed to bring this to the club."
"The only little problem we have is with some young people who like having their ratchet knives and they know they can't bring these into the club."
The operators of Club 2000 in Clarendon were forced to put in place extra security measure after a recent robbery there. Carol Walters, proprietor said the security measures include panic buttons, close circuit television cameras and cashiers are not allowed to keep large amounts of cash.
Klymax club situated at Victoria Avenue, Kingston is also ensuring that Christmas patrons are well secured. A spokesperson for the club said apart from in-house security, the local police will be on spot to ensure that everything is "under manners"
Louise Fraser-Bennett, P.R.O. Sound System Association of Jamaica (SSAJ) feels club operators should be impartial by searching every patron. "I have seen in clubs where they say no weapons and the first conflict we find these weapons coming into use."
