Nightclub Management Should Take Hard Look at Foam Party Safety

Foam parties, which have been promoted by nightclub management in Europe for decades, can be a popular way to attract new customers. These events add a special warm weather type promotion where customers can don their latest bathing suit and party hearty, even if the bar and club is located in someplace other than the tropics. However, the inherent problems that can arise should give pause to owners and operators considering such a party for their respective food and beverage venue. According to this recent article in the Naples News – “A foam party at a popular Florida night club ended in at least 40 people seeking treatment for eye injuries or temporary blindness — and some heading to lawyers’ offices to ask about possible lawsuits. Foam parties involve soapy foam sprayed from ceiling blowers onto dancers, who often are clad in swim suits. Foam can reach four feet high.” Other problems that arose and reported to nightclub management at the event can be found here. Like the use of “dry ice” during many 1970’s era parties, foam parties can contribute to other types of problems other than eye injuries. When dry ice creates a cloud and fog effect on dance floors, it can prevent people from seeing their way and they sometimes trip and fall over unseen objects, steps and lower levels along the walkways. The use of foam, which can rise to 3’ to 4” high levels, may create a potentially dangerous condition where a similar situation exists. From a nightclub consultants perspective, as well doctors who talked about these issues in this related story, a combination of slippery surfaces, alcohol consumption and people unable to see their surroundings can lead to an unhealthy outcome for hosting a foam party if you do not take the proper pre-cautions to insure a safe party. Finally, are you considering a foam party for a bar and night club operation and have you consulted a night club security expert about it? Or, have you asked an attorney about any liability issues that may arise? If so, please share your nightclub management experience on this subject with our readers below.