As D.C. prepares to celebrate Capital Pride this weekend, local bars and nightclubs are beefing their security efforts.
Robert Smith, owner of security company Nightclub Security Consultants, held a training with about 35 bouncers from different bars and clubs across the area Tuesday night to go over the proper response if an attacker enters their establishment, NBC 4 Washington reported.
The class was held at Ultrabar, a popular night-time destination for many GW students.
Smith used real-life security examples from the terror attack at the Pulse night club, a gay bar in Orlando, after new footage of the attack was released late last month. The attack occurred last June and left 50 people dead, making it one of the deadliest mass shootings in U.S. history.
Smith instructed bouncers to watch for knives and other silverware taken from tables in bars. One club switched from glass cups to “break-resistant acrylic cups,” NBC 4 reported.
Tens of thousands of people are expected to flock to the area this weekend for the pride celebration, which will cause a stepped up security presence in popular nightlife areas like 14th Street and U Street, ABC 7 reported.