If you run or help manage a music venue, you’ll already know that ensuring the safety of your performers and guest members is one of the most important parts of the job. Not only does it create a secure environment for people to have fun, but it also helps build your reputation as a reliable and professional venue that people will want to revisit. 

We understand that adhering to concert safety regulations as a venue is more important than ever. With this in mind, let’s go through the essential aspects of venue safety to keep your staff, artists, and guests as happy as possible.

What facilities should be available on-stage and off-stage for safety?

For the comfort and safety of your performers, you should always ensure that all electrical equipment is maintained to a high standard and in line with your venue’s health and safety regulations.

Your on stage set up should be regularly checked and maintained. Proper lighting, sturdy stage structures, and non-slip surfaces are worth the investment to prevent any nasty accidents. 

Off-stage, a space for artists with refreshments, adequate space, and secure storage for your chosen artist’s personal belongings will go a long way. 

Music artists talk to one another, and putting in the extra effort for their safety and security will soon get round to other artists in the area. Keep up to standard by regularly inspecting these areas to maintain safety and comfort.

Your venue should also be equipped with essential safety features, such as:

• Fire extinguishers
• Smoke detectors
• Carbon monoxide detectors (especially in areas with gas appliances)
• Fire doors
• First aid kits

How to conduct a venue risk assessment for music gigs

An effective concert risk assessment of your venue will identify any potential hazards and outline the measures you and your team need to take to mitigate them. 

For performers, a live music risk assessment could include a check-over of the stage setup, electrical equipment, and access points. For the audience, establish clear exit routes, well-marked fire exits, and crowd control measures in place — especially if you’re hosting an event with a large audience. 

Ideally, you should review and update your risk assessment whenever there is a significant change on the premises. This could be a new area of business, an extension, or if you feel it necessary. 

For further expert guidance please take a look at the Gov.Uk website for emergency preparation and risk assessment information. 

What should a venue include in its drug and alcohol policy?

Drug and alcohol policies should always be clearly outlined to keep your venue as safe as possible. Implement measures such as ID checks to prevent underage drinking and take the time to train your staff in handling intoxicated individuals safely and effectively.

Display your policies around the venue and confirm that all of your staff understand their purpose and necessity. Most importantly, we suggest that you relay to your staff the risks of not adhering to these policies.

How to manage performer and audience behaviour as a music venue

Clear communication is key. Ensure that all audience members and music artists understand your venue’s rules and expectations before attending the event. This can include any stage conduct, equipment usage, and interaction rules. Informed audiences will ultimately lead to a safer and more enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

When meeting your music artists, it may be useful to provide a detailed brief upon your arrival and ensure that a staff member is on hand to address any of their queries or issues. 

How to find and manage security staff for a music venue

No matter how big or small your venue is, we’d always suggest hiring experienced security personnel to manage entry points and monitor your crowd’s behaviour. This will give your security team a good head-start if they need to step in to handle any incidents. 

To avoid any conflict between your staff and audience, educating all of your staff on conflict resolution responses is a good idea to diffuse any tension. Regular staff briefings will also keep your venue’s workflow coordinated and streamlined.

Find and book music artists you can trust with GigPig

Venue management is a mutual business. Venue managers and artists alike can form long-standing, trustworthy business relationships when underpinned by effective safety measures. This way, everyone feels looked after and cared for — and that’s what event management is all about.

Get in touch for more detailed guidance, take a look at our prices, and to see how our team at GigPig can help streamline your event management and booking process. 

Don’t forget to get in touch or check our FAQs if you have any other questions — the team here at GigPig are more than happy to help provide tailored and expert advice for you and your venue.