Not The Usual Halloween Fear - Dealing With Drunk Customers

[Manic11]

I work Halloween night at a 24 hour grocery store. I'm a cashier so I deal with all the customers. I'm scheduled to work until 11 pm.
This terrifies me because I have an extreme fear of men who are drunk or high and I know since it's Halloween night I'll get plenty of intoxicated men in the store.
Wanted to know if anyone knows any coping strategies I could use so I don't have a horrible panic attack at work.

Thanks.

Manic

 

[Healing Survivor]

Ya know, if it was me, I would be totally prepared ahead of time--have someone I could call if necessary, bring something like pepper spray, etc...Also, maybe doing something that helps you feel powerful beforehand could help. I don't know if any of that helps, but there it is. Good luck!

 

[JohnnyM53]

Hi Manic,

People working at night where the public can enter need some basic form of security and emergency response procedures and related training. As you say, Halloween night adds a few elements because people can enter dressed up in costumes (is it a robber or a bonafide trick or treater?) or because some people may be intoxicated or high on that night, which many tend to party on, and mingle in public.

If I am correct, in accordance with provincial or municipal law, employers must make all reasonable efforts to protect their employees.

If you feel comfortable doing so, one thing you could do is ask your employer if it's possible to provide you with an assistant that night (if they do inventory at night, could they do it on Halloween night?) and explain that you have concerns about your security on Halloween night.

If an assistant can't be provided, could your employer ask police to patrol more often? Perhaps offering free coffee if they drop in? Or could your employer drop by a few times?

I would also pre-program 911 on the store telephone (this way, if you can't talk, the 911 operator can determine where the call is coming from). If that's not possible, I'd pre-program my cell phone and have 911 appear on my display, ready to dial at the push of a button.

Another possible option would be to ask other store employees, assuming there are any, if they would mind trading shifts with you.

Another one, and this may only be a possible future option due to time restrictions, would be to install a concealed panic button connected to the store's alarm system, assuming there is one, somewhere where the cashier can press it during an emergency, some place hidden from view.

I hope this helps you and that it goes smoothly and uneventful on Halloween for you.

Johnny

 

[This Ends Now]

Manic,

I agree that dealing with wasted customers can be a huge trigger. I used to work nights at a 24/7 dinner and we had drunks, druggies, and general crazy people come in all the time. If you will be alone working the shift I would suggest some sort of protection. The pepper spray idea is a very good one. Having your cell phone ready with 911 is also good.

I would like to add the idea of having your medication handy in case of panic attack. If you do not take prescription medication then I would recommend some relaxing herbal tea (Kava Stress Relief by Yogi, Tension Tamer by Celestial Seasonings, Nighty Night by Traditional Medicinals) or an herbal stress reducer such as Kava Root, Valerian Root, or Hops.

You could also try making yourself a little scary with face paint, dramatic makeup, or a tasteful costume if your dress code allows (nothing like vampire fangs and a sharp hiss to scare off drunks!). I don't know about you but something about painting my face (even if it is just a little more makeup than normal) makes me feel safely hidden out in public.

I wish you the best,

Liz H.

 

[SunnyBrookFarm]

Manic,

My daughter just left a job - in a convenience store - third shift. She also has PTSD and has serious issues with drunks and druggies....(due to the situation with her bio-dad). Third shift was SO difficult for her because as you know this is 90% of what comes in at that time. I remember when she worked last Halloween she had to call me to come up there and sit with her because she got so upset. (Where she worked she was never alone - they had a minimum of 2 people per shift but it didn't help her much.) Your post reminds me why it was such a good idea for her to find another job, how fortunate she was to have found one, and how much I don't care that it required a pay cut. (She's 22 yrs old and still lives at home.)

First, don't allow anyone in the store with a mask on - put a sign on the front door. Seriously - this is important. Do you have any cops that hang out around the store? Talk to them beforehand and tell them that you will give them free coffee or whatever (I mean really how much coffee are the owners going to notice is gone) - but could they please hang around a bit more on Halloween night? Play the defenseless female and tell them it will give them an opportunity to catch more drunk drivers (which is true).

I'm hoping all the drunks wait until after 11pm to come out - I will thinking of you.

 

[This Ends Now]

Manic,
First, don't allow anyone in the store with a mask on - put a sign on the front door. Seriously - this is important. Do you have any cops that hang out around the store? Talk to them beforehand and tell them that you will give them free coffee or whatever (I mean really how much coffee are the owners going to notice is gone) - but could they please hang around a bit more on Halloween night? Play the defenseless female and tell them it will give them an opportunity to catch more drunk drivers (which is true).
.

I agree!!! As much as cops trigger me they can be useful if you work third shift. Now that I think about it the owners of both the all night dinners I worked at built relationships with the local police force.... free coffee and sodas... discount if cop is in uniform... tab or comp if an emergency call comes in... free food just to sit in the parking lot in a marked car. This strategy saved the business so much more money then it cost because when customers saw police hanging around they were less likely to walk out on the tab, steal, drive drunk, start fights, etc. You could try to sell the manager on this type of thing... if he/she will not budge and you don't feel ok about giving things away for free then you could bring a box of doughnuts to work and save them for the police (save the receipt and management might even reimburse you).

 

[Manic11]

Thanks to everyone for your replies.
I have spoken to my manager about these ideas and she did not support them. I am not aloud to put a sign on the door as it looks "unprofessional" and I'm really too nervous to ask the police to be around and if they do happen to come by (They don't usually but lets cross our fingers) I'm worried I would get in trouble if I asked them to stay.
I am going to keep my cell phone on me (Not aloud but I don't mind breaking that rule for safety reasons). I am also going to keep something in my pocket that I can use to ground myself if I start to dissociate or panic.
I didn't get a chance to ask her if anyone else will be there though. I will ask next time she's in if someone will be working with me. I sure hope so. If not, I will insist she finds someone. Even if they just come in around 7 or 8 pm.

Thanks again everyone!

Manic

 

[2quilt]

In grocery stores and banks there's a door sign that says to remove hats, masks and dark glasses.

Do you have a friend who can stay with you while you work? Can you call the district manager to voice your concerns since your manager doesn't seem to give a damn?

 

[SunnyBrookFarm]

Manic -

Your manager is being an arse IMO. I'm sorry that none of the ideas were supported. I agree with keeping your phone on and I hope it ends up being a quiet night.

 

[Grama-Herc]

The best idea I see so far, is "the friend" stying with you. That would be perfect.
Rules be dammed!!!!!

 

[Manic11]

Thanks for your help with everything everyone! You all have great ideas. It means a lot.

Luckily, things seemed to turn around for the best.
Instead of my manager getting fired she got demoted and her new title is, believe it or not, a cake decorator! :rofl:I couldn't believe it! So the new manager we have now is much better and takes care of her employees better (in most cases).

Also, I'm no longer working Halloween or I should say tonight. I am off work for a while due to health issues so I don't have to deal with work at all today!

Thanks everyone for your ideas and support. I'm so glad I didn't have to take any of your advice though! (If you know what I mean).

Manic