Nightlife venues are unique environments with distinct safety and security needs. Cities throughout North America identified the lack of a “best practices handbook” and started creating them. These guides represent a collaborative effort to document operational guidelines to help business owners and operators run safe bars, lounges and nightclubs. Topics include how to prevent underage drinking, over consumption of alcohol, drug sales, violence, prostitution and sex offenses. Some guides also contain tips on how to respond to a serious criminal incident and counterterrorism preparedness.