Hospitality

SPOTTING THE SIGNS: HOW DOOR STAFF ARE BECOMING NIGHTLIFE’S FIRST RESPONDERS

Published

4 months ago

June 1, 2026

Stephanie Austin, founder of Prima Cura Training

The image of the nightclub ‘bouncer’ has a clear stereotype: physically imposing, authoritative, and primarily concerned with keeping order among the customers. But step into today’s night-time economy and you’ll find that role has evolved significantly. Door staff are now acting as frontline responders, playing important roles in safeguarding vulnerable people as they enter, enjoy, and even once they’ve left the venue.

These developemnts reflect a cultural change, a shift in the way society views issues like consent, and most importantly improved training. Door supervisors are in an ideal position to spot signs of distress, coercion, or danger.

‘Duty of care’

Nowadays, there’s a much broader interpretation of the ‘duty of care’ concept. One of the most important messages now emphasised in training is that responsibility doesn’t end when someone steps outside the venue. Door staff are encouraged to look after not only customers inside the venue, but also those leaving it, people nearby, and even non-customers within visible range. The mindset of “not on our premises, not our problem” is thankfully becoming outdated.

Another major change lies in the way we define a vulnerable person. Where it once only really meant someone who’s intoxicated, training now stresses that vulnerability can take many forms and isn’t always obvious. A person may be sober but anxious, isolated, or pressured. People of all genders can experience harassment or assault, not just women and girls. Recognising these nuances is key to meeting a duty of care.

This awareness is reinforced by a more diverse workforce. The presence of more women and LGBTQ+ door staff has helped create a more approachable and inclusive environment. For many customers, particularly those feeling unsafe or uncomfortable, being able to speak to someone they relate to can make all the difference. It opens the door to earlier disclosures and ultimately, better support.

Initiatives like “Ask for Angela” have also contributed. Now widely recognised across venues, the scheme provides a discreet way for people to signal they need help. While not a complete solution, it represents a step toward embedding safety into nightlife culture.

Responding to raised concerns

Equally important is how staff respond once a concern is raised. Physical intervention is rarely appropriate in cases involving vulnerability. Instead, training focuses on communication, empathy, and alignment with safeguarding policies. The aim is to support people in a way that minimises further harm, without escalating a situation unnecessarily.

The industry has also learned from past mistakes. There is growing awareness of the risks associated with ejecting someone from a venue without their belongings or without informing their friends. What might once have been standard practice is now considered dangerous. Leaving individuals stranded or isolated only increases risk.

Training is the key

Ongoing training is absolutely critical in maintaining this progress. Laws change, but I’d like to know one person who can cite every law relevant to their profession. On top of that, societal expectations and emerging threats form quicker than the law can keep up with.

From increased numbers of drink spiking incidents to changes in local crime patterns, door staff must stay informed and receive the training they need to ensure public safety is maximised. Regular refresher sessions not only reinforce responsibilities but also provide space to share experiences, discuss challenges, and learn from one another.

These sessions often include guidance on local support services, enabling staff to signpost individuals towards appropriate help, whether that’s mental health support, substance misuse services, or national helplines for issues like exploitation. They also cover practical skills like accurate incident reporting and navigating communication systems such as venue radios and emergency services.

Together, these developments are changing what it means to work the door. Today’s security staff are active participants in a wider safety ecosystem. Observant, informed, and increasingly compassionate, they stand on the frontline of nightlife, ready to step in when it matters most.

Hospitality

Stomping Grounds Marks International Coffee Day With Buy One, Get One Free Coffee and Bottomless Filter

Published

3 hours ago

September 22, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

Stomping Grounds, the Aussie-owned café in Jumeirah 1, is marking International Coffee Day with an offer built around one simple idea: have another cup or three! On Thursday, 1 October 2026, guests who buy any coffee can pick one of two ways to keep going:

•Taking it away? Buy any coffee and get a second one of the same, free.
•Dining in? Enjoy bottomless filter coffee all day.

This year’s International Coffee Day is the first since the United Nations General Assembly formally recognised 1 October in March 2026, acknowledging the millions of farming households whose livelihoods depend on coffee.

“Every cup we pour started with one hardworking farmer and their family. They put in the hard yards all year, then we grind a few grams, push a couple buttons, pull a lever or two, draw a little leaf with the milk and take all the compliments, ” said Ryan Godinho, founder of Stomping Grounds. “So have another cup, ask the team where it came from, and give a quiet nod to everyone who got it here. We’ve been at this since 2015, and the best part is still seeing someone who popped in for a quick coffee settle in an hour later, second cup in hand, chatting with our team. That’s the whole idea.”

The coffee is roasted in Dubai by its partners at Specialty Batch, who have been pioneering the UAE’s specialty coffee scene since 2011 and have filled every grinder at Stomping Grounds since day one. The menu runs from its house blends through to rotating single origins and seasonal micro lots.

On the day, the filter brews will rotate through exceptional coffees from Brazil, Kenya, El Salvador and Colombia. Four countries, no passport required.

The baristas are trained, know their stuff and love a coffee chat. Guests can discover a new favourite micro lot or simply get a recommendation based on what they normally drink.

Whether you stick to your usual order, try something new or settle in for a bottomless cup of filter, it’s a good day to drink a little more and find out what you like.

About Stomping Grounds
Tucked away in Jumeirah 1, off the main roads and away from the malls, Stomping Grounds is an escape from the hustle: close enough to the water for a post coffee wander, far enough from the traffic that you can actually hear yourself think. Owner-operated since opening in 2015, it has a warm, rustic vibe, a menu built for people who properly enjoy eating, and an exceptional coffee programme roasted locally by Specialty Batch. It’s pet-friendly, so four-legged regulars are welcome too, and the team are switched on hospo professionals who care about the details, from the first coffee of the morning to the last plate out of the kitchen.

There’s plenty of free parking nearby, which makes life that much easier. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, afternoon tea, a quick cuppa, a laptop session, or one of those “I’ll just pop in for a coffee” visits that somehow turns into brunch. Happens to the best of us.

Terms:
Valid Thursday, 1 October 2026 only, during opening hours. Takeaway: one free coffee per coffee purchased; the free coffee must be the same drink, same size, and
is served on the same visit. Bottomless filter coffee is for dine-in guests only and runs all day with any coffee purchase. Cannot be combined with other offers. While coffee stocks last.

Details
Location: Villa 98, 12D Street (corner of 51st Street), Jumeirah 1, Dubai | Phone: +971 4 344 4451 | Hours: Monday-Thursday: 7:30am to 8pm; Friday-Sunday: 7:30am to 11pm | Instagram: instagram.com/stompinggroundsdxb | Website: stompinggrounds.me

Hospitality

Tbilisi Youth Art Market is launching its first exhibition project in Tbilisi

Published

5 hours ago

September 22, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

TYAM – Tbilisi Youth Art Market is launching its first exhibition project in Tbilisi. The project brings together emerging and independent artists, galleries, collectors, cultural institutions, and international experts from the art world.

The event will take place from September 25–27, 2026, at the National Palace of Youth, on Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi. TYAM is a new platform created to support young and independent artists, increase their visibility, and establish connections with the broader art market.

The first edition brings together artists working in Georgia and abroad under the theme “COEXISTENCE.” The concept reflects the meeting of different generations, artistic practices, perspectives, and approaches within one shared creative space.

The programme includes an Art Market section, public and panel discussions featuring international guests, opportunities for professional networking and the development of an artistic network, as well as a special VIP programme. TYAM aims to become a new point of attraction for Georgia’s and the international creative community, connecting artists with collectors, galleries, institutions, and the wider public.

TYAM 2026, September 25–27, 2026
National Palace, Rustaveli Avenue, Tbilisi, Georgia
Tbilisi Youth Art Market

Hospitality

COFFEE PLANET CELEBRATES SAUDI NATIONAL DAY WITH A TRIBUTE TO THE STORIES, MEMORIES AND PRIDE OF THE KINGDOM

Published

7 hours ago

September 22, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

This Saudi National Day, Coffee Planet is inviting customers to celebrate the Kingdom through the memories, messages and everyday moments that make it feel like home.

As part of the celebrations on 23 September, Coffee Planet cafés in Hail and King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), Riyadh, will be dressed for the occasion with Saudi flags and National Day decorations, creating a festive setting for customers to enjoy with friends and family.

At the centre of the celebration will be a Memory Board, where customers can leave a short message sharing their feelings, memories or pride for Saudi Arabia. The initiative will bring together personal reflections from visitors throughout the celebrations, creating a collective expression of what the Kingdom means to the people who live, work and spend time here.

Customers will also be invited to enjoy complimentary coffee and a dessert, adding to the relaxed National Day experience and giving visitors another reason to pause, gather and celebrate together.

The activation will take place at Garden Mall in Hail and KAFD in Riyadh, two locations that reflect the brand’s growing presence in the Kingdom.

For Coffee Planet, the National Day celebration is a natural extension of the role its cafés play in bringing people together, whether over a morning coffee, a catch-up with friends or a shared moment with family.

“Saudi National Day is about celebrating the Kingdom and the people who make it what it is,” said Allan Jones, Founder and Chairman of Coffee Planet. “We wanted to create an experience that gives our customers a chance to share their own memories and feelings of pride, while enjoying a simple moment together over coffee. It is a small gesture, but one that reflects the warmth and connection at the heart of the occasion.”

With Saudi Arabia’s coffee culture continuing to evolve, Coffee Planet has seen growing demand for premium specialty coffee and café experiences across the Kingdom.

“Saudi National Day is a proud moment for all of us at HB Brands and an opportunity to celebrate the Kingdom’s remarkable journey, its people, and its ambitions for the future,” said Abdullah Ihlaiel, Group Marketing & Business Development Director, HB Brands. “As Coffee Planet continues to grow in Saudi Arabia, our focus is not only on expanding the brand’s presence, but on building a meaningful connection with the communities we serve. We are proud to be part of this journey and to celebrate this special occasion together with our customers across the Kingdom.”

The celebration reflects the spirit of Saudi National Day 2026 and its theme, ‘Our Pride is in Our Nature’, while giving customers an opportunity to mark the occasion in a way that feels personal, social and rooted in community.