Businesses across all industries have seen significant changes over recent weeks. For many, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in temporary or even permanent closures. For others, it has meant the need to pivot their businesses to “keep the lights on,” and to do it quickly. 

The Food Services Industry has been hit particularly hard during this pandemic. With orders to cease all in-person dining, many restaurants have needed to close their doors and lay off employees until the worst of the virus has passed. Others have embraced the still available options for serving their customers, including to-go orders, curbside pick-up and delivery.

Coronavirus Has Changed the Way Restaurants Do Business

This new way of doing business has resulted in an emerging area of concern for restaurants and retail establishments: Security. With high tensions and the need to maintain social distance, restaurant owners have found that they need security guards to help them maintain order and keep people safe. Restaurants have seen lines wrapped around the block as customers wait (six feet apart) to pick up their food orders. These kinds of conditions have the potential to become stressful or even dangerous situations.

Other businesses that are deemed essential have been experiencing increases in traffic, as they become one of the few options available to customers. Retailers have also seen an uptick in thefts as people who might typically rely on panhandling are no longer able to do so.

If you own or operate a restaurant or other essential retail business, you might be looking for ways to ensure the safety of your customers and staff. You may also realize that you need assistance with crowd control and enforcing the social distancing rules. Off Duty Officers has a team of experienced, professional security guards who are trained to work with people in challenging situations.

What are essential retail services?

With cities on lockdown, only essential and critical services are allowed to be open for business. This order is meant to help curb the spread of the virus while still providing opportunities for citizens to get the basic necessities they need to survive. Businesses that have been deemed essential include:

• Gas Stations
• Pharmacies
• Grocery Stores
• Farmers Markets
• Food Banks
• Convenience Stores
• Banks
• Laundromats
• Hardware Stores
• Restaurants and Bars for take-out and delivery

In some states, the list of essential retail services varies. For example, in Colorado, marijuana dispensaries and liquor stores can remain open during the stay-at-home order. And to make matters more confusing, the regulations seem to change day-by-day as the impact of the virus becomes more apparent.

The Role of Security Guards for Restaurants and Retail Businesses

With the COVID-19 safety regulations that are in place, security guards can be valuable allies for operators in the food services industry. Qualified security guards can fill several vital roles that will help keep people safe. Some of the functions that security officers can hold for restaurants and retail businesses include:

Enforcing Social Distancing

Health and safety protocols recommend keeping at least six feet away from other people. Strict adherence to the regulations can protect people from contracting or passing on the virus to others. However, many people may choose to disregard the protocols or forget about them altogether. Security guards can politely remind customers to abide by the social distancing rules, protecting people and keeping your business in compliance.

Ensure Orderly Pick-up Lines

Restaurants in larger cities like San Diego, Los Angeles and Denver have experienced long lines, despite the stay-at-home orders. Why? The uptick in pick-up orders for lunch and dinner means that people descend upon restaurants all at once. Not only do restaurants need help complying with the social distancing orders, but they also need a strong presence to ensure that people are maintaining orderly lines, respecting each other and moving quickly.

Off Duty Officers – Professional Security Guards for the Food Services Industry

Do you own or operate a restaurant or retail establishment that has been deemed essential? Are you faced with new security concerns since the outbreak of the coronavirus? Professional security guards can help your business during this uncertain time. Security officers have the training and skills you need to maintain order, deter crime and enforce social distancing orders to keep your staff and customers safe.

If you need temporary, armed or unarmed security guards for your business, contact Off Duty Officers today for a consultation. We have a variety of security solutions available to meet your needs and your budget.