London, UK
A prominent UK union is urging West End and regional theatres to place “reasonable limits” on at-seat alcohol sales after a new survey revealed a shocking increase in violence, aggression, and harassment directed at front-of-house staff. The union argues that the proliferation of drinks delivered directly to audience members’ seats is a significant factor contributing to declining audience behaviour and a toxic work environment.
The call for action comes from the Broadcasting, Entertainment, Communications and Theatre Union (Bectu), which published statistics showing the alarming scale of the problem.
Headline Points
* 77% of Ushers Abused: A Bectu survey revealed that 77% of front-of-house staff, including ushers, have experienced violence, aggression, or harassment from theatregoers in the past year.
* Alcohol is a Key Factor: Bectu specifically linked the rise in poor conduct to the “advent of at-seat alcohol” service, which became more common in many venues following the post-pandemic reopening.
* Drunken Arrivals: The union’s findings showed that 90% of theatre workers believe people arriving drunk is a key contributing factor to audience misconduct.
* Zero-Tolerance Call: The union is urging theatres to adopt a zero-tolerance approach to antisocial behaviour and to review their current alcohol sales policies to protect their staff.
* Risk to Retention: The continuous abuse poses a serious threat to staff retention within a sector already facing a chronic skills shortage.
A Toxic Environment for Front-of-House Staff
The union’s findings paint a grim picture of life for front-of-house theatre staff. Incidents reported by workers range from verbal and racial abuse to physical assaults and sexual harassment. The data reinforces concerns that audience behaviour, particularly in London’s West End, has worsened significantly since venues fully reopened following the COVID-19 lockdowns.
While high prices encouraging audience members to arrive “pre-loaded” with alcohol is a perennial issue, the ease of ordering and receiving multiple drinks directly at their seats—a move often implemented by theatres to maximise revenue—is believed to exacerbate intoxication levels during the performance.
A Bectu spokesperson stated, “Everyone has the right to a safe and respectful workplace. The advent of at-seat alcohol may be playing a part and we urge theatres to look at whether a reasonable limit on these sales would have an impact so that people can continue to have a good time without things going too far.”
Prioritising Profit Over Safety
Theatre workers speaking anonymously have previously claimed that some top management at venues are putting “profit over safety” by prioritising high bar sales, especially for popular shows like jukebox musicals which often attract an atmosphere of a “raucous night out.” These high-volume shows, sometimes marketed towards large groups and parties, frequently lead to the worst incidents of disorder, including fights, public urination, and projectile vomiting in the stalls.
Bectu is now leveraging the survey data to push for stronger management action and greater security provisions. The union continues to champion its existing Safer Theatres Charter, which demands that management take firm steps to provide a safe working environment and ensure that the entertainment experience for the many is not ruined by the antisocial behaviour of the few.
