Robert C. Smith of Nightlife Security Consultants talks about the biggest changes the adult nightclub industry has seen over the last 30 years.
(Note: This article was written by Robert C. Smith and appears in the July 2026 issue of ED Magazine.)
The title of the great Bob Dylan song “The Times They Are A-Changin” still rings true in so many ways. For those of you who have been in the hospitality industry for the past 25 years, you know exactly what I’m talking about. This topic, the changes in the industry, could fill a large book. But, for this article, let’s focus on the security side of the industry.
Many of you know I started my security training and liability consulting business in 1998 after having to arrest a “bouncer” who had assaulted an intoxicated guest. That was 28 years ago, and now, looking back, I’d like to share what I consider the most consequential changes I’ve seen in the past few decades.
Litigation increases
There has been a massive increase in litigation toward clubs and properties. You cannot drive five miles on a freeway in any medium to larger city without seeing some attorney’s face begging to help those who feel they were injured at your club. This new style of “ambulance chasing” has drastically affected the insurance market nationwide, which in turn, affects the operations budget of all clubs in multiple ways. And, what’s worse to me, the attorneys who send the litigation pending letters don’t truly want to go to court. They want to settle and run.
Full disclosure, I do expert witness work for both Plaintiff and Defendant, and I can honestly say that I speak my mind if I feel an attorney has no case and is simply “fishing” when they try to retain my services.
“Managers and owners of gentlemen’s clubs have learned the value of having a smart, thoughtful, problem solver as a security host.”
— Robert C. Smith
Evolving club operators
Owners and managers have finally accepted that a better-trained employee is just a “better” employee for the company. Yes, this applies to your entire team, but let’s be real. Nobody is suing you or calling the police over a bad mojito.
Club operators and insurance companies have noticed that a properly trained security guard or floor host can drastically change both guest perception and the outcome of potential violence. When I started my business, over 25 years ago, operators truly focused on brawn over brain. Some in the hospitality industry still do. However, managers and owners of gentlemen’s clubs have learned the value of having a smart, thoughtful, problem solver as a security host.
A perfect example can be found at 2001 Odyssey in Tampa, FL. If you visit the club, you’ll notice the door hosts and floor hosts can easily communicate with guests of all economic classes and intoxication levels. They are trained to solve guest problems, and if force is necessary, they understand that their demeanor and actions will not only affect the results of that incident but can put the club in a positive or negative light when the dust settles.
Technology boost
Twenty-five years ago, “technology” was limited to the cameras the owner had pointed at their POS System to deter internal theft. As times changed, however, cameras evolved and became compatible with other security hardware used in clubs. Now, the smart operator can use cameras for biometric identification at the door and help prevent underage persons from entering or, more importantly, reduce the chance of a poorly behaved guest from returning.
Cameras can be integrated into your POS systems to help prevent charge backs and theft. They can be integrated into license plate readers to store data of bad operators in your parking lot. Cameras can now be integrated with Artificial Intelligence to help recognize pending “issues” such as assault, use of drugs and even the spiking of drinks.
This will always be a topic of debate among club operators who want to ensure their club environment is as discreet as possible for their guests, and I understand that aspect. However, as I like to say, the genie is out of the bottle, and technology will continue to be a part of our industry regardless.
Fewer college-aged guests
We’ve all noticed a serious dip in the client demographic between 21 and 30 years old. This may be something you’ve discussed with your team, but I’m guessing most of you are simply ignoring this shift and hoping the pendulum will swing back. I don’t think it will swing back for years, if ever.
Young guests who’ve grown up with cellphones and social media, school lockdowns and COVID-19 have adapted different lifestyles than yours (or mine). This demographic simply isn’t drinking as we used to at that age. Recent studies have shown this age group is drinking approximately 60% less than the generations that came before them. However, even though they are consuming less, they still want to go out, be entertained and have a good experience. But a basic drink and a stage dance doesn’t cut it anymore.
You must up your game, you must evolve and you must change with the times. I know there are many other changes we’ve seen or experienced over the past 30 years, but these are, in my opinion, the most consequential to our industry.
For more information, visit nightlifesecurity.com or email Robert at rsmith@nightlifesecruity.com.
