Restaurants and stores are finally opening again after a difficult 18-months for people and businesses alike. I couldn’t be happier to see the return of some sort of normalcy and hope the trend continues in a positive direction. While at a conference recently, I got the opportunity to speak with several restaurant owners. And while their outlook is hopeful, many of them are jumping through new hoops because of the pandemic’s lingering effects.
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Being in the security industry, my team and I have been helping restaurants and QSRs stay on top of the ever-changing landscape of organized crime. Real-time video surveillance as well as integration with point-of-sale systems have given restaurant owners the upper hand against even the craftiest thieves. As a result of increasing criminal threats, restaurants have continued to adapt and evolve their security practices. But what happens when a global pandemic triggers new health and safety regulations in addition to the standards restaurant staff already follow?
Most of us have heard of at least one restaurant temporarily close in recent months due to “non-compliance” of health and safety regulations. Mask-wearing, social distancing and sanitation regulations are all just a few of the reasons a restaurant could be pursued legally and closed until the negligence is corrected and the business is deemed “compliant” once again.
In addition to new safety protocols, restaurant owners are also well-aware of the opportunity scammers have to make a false accusation of non-compliance. These false accusations, left unproven, can result in costly lawsuits that put money in the pockets of the accusers.
So how do restaurants respond in a time like this so that they can confidently focus on growing their business without fear of non-compliance accusations? As a veteran of the security industry, I can say video is unquestionably the ultimate weapon of transparency and validation in these situations. A single clip of the very date and time of an accusation is the easiest way to quickly end conversations before they escalate.
As the old adage goes, “A picture is worth a thousand words... video is worth a few more.”
While the world continues to adapt to the impacts of COVID-19, one thing is clear to me: video surveillance has never been more relevant than it is now. While it was once the premier tool against criminal activity big and small, it has become a critical asset in keeping restaurants up and running confidently as health and safety concerns continue to rise.
If you’re wondering about the best approach to take on securing your restaurant against false-compliance accusations, my team is here to help you. With security installations across all 50 states, our experts will bring their industry experience to help guide you in the best direction to meet your business goals. Contact us to get started today!
