Do I Need Security Guards for My Event in BC? A Practical Guide

Do I Need Security Guards for My Event in BC? A Practical Guide

One of the most common questions we get from event organizers in British Columbia is: do I actually need security guards for my event? The honest answer is: it depends — but more events than you'd expect legally require them.

When BC Law Requires Security

In British Columbia, a Special Event Permit from your local municipality often mandates licensed security when:

• Alcohol is being served
• Expected attendance exceeds a certain threshold (varies by municipality)
• The event is held in a public space
• You're hosting a ticketed event open to the general public

Failing to provide required security can result in your permit being revoked mid-event.

Even When It's Not Legally Required...

Security guards are strongly recommended for:

• Private parties with 100+ guests
• Corporate events where executives or VIPs are attending
• Outdoor events where access control is difficult
• Events in venues with a history of incidents
• Any event serving alcohol — incidents escalate quickly without trained security

How Many Guards Does My Event Need?

Industry standard: 1 guard per 50–100 guests, scaled based on:

• Alcohol being served (increases ratio)
• Outdoor vs indoor venue
• Number of entry/exit points
• Whether VIPs require dedicated protection (VIP security)

Event Security Across BC

Our event security teams serve events province-wide:

• Event security in Vancouver
• Event security in Kelowna
• Event security in Victoria
• Event security in Surrey
• Event security in Whistler
• Event security in Kamloops

Get a Free Event Security Plan

Contact our team at least 2–4 weeks before your event. We'll assess your venue, guest count, and risk level to create a security plan that protects your guests and your licence.