ProTect Security Staff Training

What is ProTect Security Staff Training?

ProTect Security Staff Training is a program designed for individuals whose job responsibilities normally include:

• Monitoring and controlling access to the premises (door person) at all entrances open to the public;
• Checking for proper identification to ensure only patrons of legal drinking age enter the premises
• Ensuring compliance to legislation and AGLC policies
• Ensuring patrons banned from entering or remaining on the premises do not enter or remain;
• Ensuring the occupant load under the fire code is not exceeded (crowd control duties);
• Staying highly visible and circulating through the licensed premises (floor person); and
• Monitoring patrons and intervening early to prevent fights and other aggressive acts.

Why was it created?

The AGLC held two Alberta Roundtables on Violence In and Around Licensed Premises, in the fall of 2005 and spring of 2006, to explore the issue of violence within the context of bars, nightclubs and other licensed premises.

Training for door and security staff was one of the key areas identified by Roundtable participants to help prevent alcohol-related violence. The implementation of certified training programs for security and door staff was one of the 92 recommendations from the Roundtable report. Other recommendations, such as the importance of keeping incident logs, involving the police in dealing with violent incidents, and having in-house security plans are included in the ProTect curriculum.

The AGLC began conducting ProTect seminars in various locations around the province in February 2008. Since March 31st, 2010 the ProTect program has been available online, allowing for increased accessibility to the course for liquor industry employees who are required to take the training. This online course was developed to be highly interactive to enhance the learning experience of all participants. Training is provided at no cost.

Why should I take this course?

ProTect focuses on reducing the risk of liability and helping participants to improve their observation and communication skills. The training prepares them to prevent, defuse, and manage customer disturbances. ProTect Security Staff Training will help increase the safety and security of staff and patrons in licensed premises.

Be sure to advise your insurance company that your staff have completed ProTect training. When implemented properly, the program can assist staff in reducing the risk of liability and enhances the safety of your premises.

Who is required to take the training, and by when?

As of January 1, 2009, it is mandatory for the following individuals in a Class A Minors Prohibited premises to be certified with ProTect Security Staff Training.

• Persons working in a Class A Minors Prohibited premises in the following positions:
• Manager/supervisor of security; and,
• Staff responsible for security of the premises
• An owner, manager and /or employee of a company contracted to provide security in a Class A Minors Prohibited licensed premises.

Effective July 1st, 2010 individuals must complete ProTect training within 30 days of their employment or contract start date. The certificate is valid for five years.

All liquor industry workers who successfully complete ProTect training are issued a laminated card that must be presented to an AGLC inspector or police officer upon request. ProTect certification applies to the individual named on the certificate, not to the venue where that person works. A person with valid ProTect certification may use it at any licensed premises in Alberta.

All security staff working in a licensed premises are also required to successfully complete ProServe Liquor Staff training. Security personnel working in a Class C establishment, or at a private or Community Public Resale Special Event are encouraged to complete ProServe training, but it is not mandatory. All security staff working at a Commercial Public Resale Special Event are required to complete the ProServe program.

Are there exceptions?

Although required only for Class A Minors Prohibited licensed premises, ProTect training is also recommended for individuals who work or volunteer in a security position in any other class of licensed premises or special event function.

ProTect Security Staff Training is not required for:

• Persons employed at Class A Minors Allowed, Class B, Class C, Class D, Class E and Duty Free premises;
• Persons employed at a Class A Minors Prohibited premises in a position other than the security positions above; and
• Persons involved in the sale or service of liquor while working at a function licensed as a Special Event.

How do I register? How much does it cost?

You can register for ProTect training in the following ways:

Online: If you have completed ProServe, Deal Us In, A Good Call or Reel Facts training online, you already have an account. Use the same login and password to register in a ProTect seminar or to complete the ProTect course online.

Facilitated seminars: AGLC facilitators deliver facilitated training in seminars, held in various locations across the province. Please visit protect.aglc.ca to register. Registration forms are available for download on the Resource page of the ProTect website.

Registrants attending private seminars or staff with limited or no Internet access are required to complete and sign the registration form, indicating their consent and intention to attend the course. For this reason, third party registrations cannot be accepted. Please fax all completed forms to the SMART Training office at 780-447-7550. There is no charge for ProTect training.

How do I know if I passed?

Your results are provided immediately after you take the exam online. For the seminar option, all exams are submitted by the course facilitator to the SMART Training office for marking. If you pass, you will receive your certificate and wallet-sized card in the mail. If you do not pass, you will receive a letter informing you of your next steps. Please allow 2-3 weeks for the grading and mailing process.

What if I have already taken other training?

Licensees must meet ProTect Security Staff training program requirements. Equivalency will not be granted for security training programs offered in other provinces.

What happens if I do not comply?

ProTect is mandatory under AGLC policy. Licensees who employ non-certified workers after January 1, 2009 could face penalties such as a warning, fine, liquor license suspension or license termination. AGLC Liquor Policies are available online.

What if I have questions?

For information about ProTect Security Staff Training or to register for training, please visit protect.aglc.ca.

Phone: Contact the SMART Training office toll-free at 1-877-436-6336 during business hours (Mondays through Fridays, from 8:15 a.m. until 4 p.m.) The SMART Training office is closed on weekends and statutory holidays.

Fax: 780-447-7550

Email: info@protect.aglc.ca