Managing Risks for Acts of Violence on Restaurant Property

4 Min Read By Chris Dunlap, Isaac Monson

With more than 300 active shooter events in the U.S. since 2000,  property owners and operators everywhere are taking a hard look at security options. The focus is two-fold: minimizing the risk of such an event from happening, and also reducing liability post-event should a victim’s family or local authorities claim the property should have been more secure.

It is true that there is a “duty to protect” occupants in your establishments. However, the question of negligence revolves around the “foreseeability” of the violent event.

Foreseeability is tied to a building’s risk factors and prevention.

Foreseeability is tied to a building’s risk factors and prevention. Has the establishment received previous threats of violence? These could come from many sources including: disgruntled employees, significant others with domestic disputes, angry customers, etc.  It is important to take all threats seriously and investigate them thoroughly. 

Other questions to ask…