What action should be taken during incidents at venues serving alcohol?

During incidents at venues serving alcohol, conducting a quick scene survey before securing the area is a critical step. This action involves assessing the situation to identify hazards, evaluate potential risks, and understand the dynamics of the incident. It allows safety officers to gather essential information about the environment, including the behavior of patrons, the layout of the venue, and any immediate dangers.

By performing this scene survey, the officer can make informed decisions on how to proceed effectively, ensuring safety for both patrons and responders. It's essential to understand the context of the situation before taking further action, such as securing the area or removing individuals, to mitigate risks effectively.

Other options may not provide the level of situational awareness needed to ensure safety. For instance, conducting interviews with witnesses immediately may divert attention from handling the scene's immediate dangers, while the idea of removing patrons risk-free may not be feasible without first understanding the situation. Starting a fire to create a distraction is not only dangerous but also counterproductive to ensuring safety during an incident.