The Philadelphia City Council passed a new law effective April 19, 2012, that regulates the hiring and training of bouncers. The law mandates that bouncers, or other similar security personnel, must have training and must register with the City.The law further outlines the type of training that a bouncer must have, as well as how and where a bouncer must be registered. After the law becomes effective, bars and nightclubs can no longer employ unregistered and/or untrained bouncers that are not in compliance with the stated requirements. Additionally, all establishments must perform criminal background checks on all security personnel hired.
The law was enacted in response to numerous law suits filed over the years in which bar patrons were seriously injured by over-zealous security personnel. The law can be found in The Philadelphia Code, Title 9. Regulation of Businesses, Trades and Professions.
Edward Shensky is a member of Stark & Stark’s Yardley, PA office, specializing in Accident & Personal Injury Law. For more information, please contact Mr. Shensky.