Safety and Security

At Waterfront Hall, we are committed to ensuring the safety and security of our customers, visitors, clients, artists, contractors and team members. We pride ourselves on the safe and professional delivery of events across our venue.

A range of procedures and checks are in place to help ensure our buildings, equipment, systems, team members and visitors are safe while working in, visiting or attending events at our venue.

These procedures are monitored and reviewed regularly to ensure they remain up to date, accurate and fit for purpose.

Our team completes relevant risk assessments for events, with security, stewarding, medical support and operational arrangements considered as part of event planning. We also work with venues, council, emergency services and other key stakeholders to support best practice across the industry.

We continue to review our security and emergency preparedness arrangements in line with relevant legislation, guidance and industry best practice, including requirements relating to Protect Duty / Martyn’s Law.

Zero Tolerance

Waterfront Hall is committed to providing a safe, respectful and welcoming environment for everyone who visits, works in or performs at our venue.

We operate a zero-tolerance approach to violence, threats, abuse, harassment, discrimination, bullying, intimidation and any behaviour that compromises the safety, dignity or wellbeing of others. This applies across our venue and when engaging with our team before, during or after an event.

Anyone who behaves in an unacceptable way may be refused entry, removed from the venue, have their tickets or access cancelled, be restricted from future attendance, or be reported to the police where appropriate.

By attending our venue, customers are expected to follow our Terms & Conditions, House Guidelines and any reasonable instructions given by our team, security staff, stewards, event organisers or emergency services.

CCTV, Security and Medical Support

Our venues are fitted with CCTV, which is monitored and recorded for the safety and security of team members and visitors.

At our events, we have dedicated and accredited security and stewarding staff who are trained and experienced in event security. We also engage event medical staff to provide appropriate levels of medical support and care at our events.

We hold emergency exercises with our teams and contractors. These exercises allow us to test our buildings, knowledge and procedures, identify learning, and make improvements across our operation where required.

Everyone entering our venue is required to clear security checks. Customers are asked to arrive early to allow time for these checks to be completed. On entry, customers may be subject to a bag or personal search by a member of our security team. Refusal to consent to such searches may result in entry being denied.

Visitors are required to follow reasonable instructions given by our team, security staff, stewards, event organisers or emergency services. Failure to do so may result in refusal of entry or removal from the venue.

Ask for Angela

We are proud to support the Ask for Angela campaign, an initiative from the Police Service of Northern Ireland that enables people who feel unsafe, vulnerable or threatened in a hospitality setting to discreetly ask for help.

If you are visiting the venue and feel unsafe, vulnerable or threatened, you can discreetly approach a member of staff and ask for “Angela.” This code phrase lets our team know that you need help, and they will look to support you appropriately.

Support may include reuniting you with a friend, accompanying you to a taxi, contacting venue security, or calling the police.

All venues that support Ask for Angela have access to specific training packages provided by the PSNI. This helps staff understand vulnerability, identify when someone may need support, and take appropriate action.

For more information on the Ask for Angela campaign, visit PSNI.

Challenge 25

Our hospitality partner, operates Challenge 25 across the bars in our venues. This scheme encourages anyone who is over 18 but looks under 25 to carry acceptable ID when they want to buy alcohol.

In summary, here’s what you need to know if you are attending an event

Arrive early: Please arrive with enough time to pass through security checks. We thank you for your courtesy and cooperation with our team.
Have your ticket or e-ticket ready: Ticket scanning will be in place at our venues. Please have your ticket or e-ticket ready for inspection.
Large bags are not permitted: There are no facilities available to store large bags, so please make alternative arrangements before arriving. We recommend bringing only essential items in a bag no larger than a laptop bag.
Follow instructions: Please follow any reasonable instructions given by our team, security staff, stewards, event organisers or emergency services.
Respect our team and others: We operate a zero tolerance approach to abusive, threatening, discriminatory, aggressive or intimidating behaviour. Anyone behaving in an unacceptable way may be refused entry, removed from the venue or reported to the police where appropriate.
Be vigilant: Please alert a member of our team, security or stewarding staff if you notice anything suspicious, unsafe or concerning, or if you feel uncomfortable at any point. It is always better to report a concern.

Safety and Security