Security cameras for restaurants are a necessary investment every owner knows they’ll have to make. Customers, too, more or less expect restaurant security cameras to be in use at basically any dining establishments. It doesn’t matter if it’s a local bar and grill, popular chain restaurant, or a small deli, having some sort of restaurant video surveillance system provides many useful advantages for owners and customers alike.
This wasn’t always the case, though. The legality of security cameras for restaurants was a common concern shared by many bar and restaurant owners. Fortunately, this is no longer the case. The only areas restaurant CCTV cameras aren’t legal are in places where a customer would expect a reasonable amount of privacy, such as a bathroom or locker room. In some areas, having small hidden cameras and cameras with microphones to record audio are also considered illegal.
But for the most, restaurant surveillance cameras are simply thought of as essential for security reasons. That assumption exists for good reason, too. There are many benefits that security cameras in restaurants provide the managers and owners with aside from security. Let’s take a look at the 4 top reasons why restaurants need a security camera system in place.
Top 4 Reasons Why Restaurants Need Security Cameras
Think about the city you live in. Think about your favorite places to go out to eat and socialize over great food and drinks. Most of those places are probably long-standing, popular establishments that locals are familiar with and probably enjoy. It might be for the food, atmosphere, or prices (or all three). And if that restaurant or bar has existed for over 5 years, it is definitely doing something right.
Now think about the places that have since closed down. You can probably come up with a pretty big list of restaurants that failed, for whatever reason. Did you know that around 60% percent of all restaurant ventures fail in their first year? Worse still, 80% of restaurants will shut their doors before making it 5 years. With that staggeringly high percentage, it’s easy to presume running a successful restaurant is difficult. So what can be done to not be a part of that statistic?
1. Restaurant Security Cameras Improve Employee Productivity
One of the biggest operating costs in the hospitality industry is staffing. Although many restaurants pay their employees a generally low wage, employing cooks, waiters, dishwashers, hosts, servers, and other staff constantly adds up. Restaurant security cameras give managers and owners the ability to monitor employees. Employee monitoring helps to ensure staff are being productive while they are on the clock. It also helps managers to understand when staffing can be cut back or increased while motivating employees to be productive with their time since they know they are being monitored.
2. Security Cameras in Restaurants Reduce Theft
Another major problem with owning a bar or restaurant is theft. Employees might think they can drink or snack on certain items in inventory without consequence. However, all food and beverages cost money and need to be accounted for. Security cameras for restaurants discourage employees from stealing food and give owners the ability to identify members of the staff who are. Having security cameras over cash registers also keeps workers honest when performing transactions while giving owners useable footage when an employee is stealing money. In addition, they also discourage patrons from trying to leave without paying their bill. In the event they do get away, a business owner can contact the authorities and turn over the CCTV footage to identify and apprehend the individual.
3. Restaurant Surveillance Systems Increase Overall Security
There is a threat of burglary and break-ins at any establishment where money is kept. Restaurant CCTV systems increase security and reduce the likelihood that the establishment will be targeted by criminals. It’s also important for customers and employees to feel safe while enjoying their time there. Video surveillance systems in restaurants give employees and customers a sense of security while confirming the business takes an interest in their safety. Also, if a fight were to happen, restaurant CCTV footage gives owners the ability to find out what happened and helps police identify anyone if serious injuries occurred.
4. Security Cameras in Restaurants Help with Insurance
There are actually many insurance companies that offer bar and restaurant owners various financial incentives for installing a video surveillance system in their establishment. The restaurant CCTV footage can prove to be crucial if vandalism occurs or a fire causes major damage to the building or its assets. Security cameras also provide evidence for things like harassment cases and lawsuits. On top of that, if you have an IP surveillance camera system at the restaurant then you can access real-time security footage from anywhere using a cell phone or computer. Remote access allows you to check in on things even if you aren’t there, reducing false alarms and all around providing general peace of mind.
Where to Find Security Cameras for Your Restaurant
If you’re in the market for restaurant security cameras that are capable of delivering these benefits, make sure to do your research. There are a diverse variety of surveillance camera systems available and buying cheap security cameras to save on costs can leave you unprotected when you need them most. Make sure you know how to choose the best security camera system to get the most from your investment.
If you need help selecting the very best security cameras for your restaurant, contact us for help. Security Camera King is an online security camera equipment store with thousands of surveillance devices available. We proudly assist our clients with developing a custom security camera system that is perfectly suited to their individual needs and capable of achieving their surveillance goals.
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