Results of a pilot program for training bar staff in preventing aggression

One hundred and twenty-one staff from eight bars in Ontario, Canada partici pated in a three-hour training program that used a peer learning model to t each problem-solving skills regarding the prevention and management of aggr essive behavior in bars. Participants showed significant positive changes i n knowledge and attitudes regarding effective approaches to preventing aggr ession. The majority of participants reported that the training made them t hink about ways they handed problem situations and that they would change t he way they handle problems in the future. Participants rated most aspects of the training as very useful, especially the group discussion. The progra m illustrates the potential for increasing skills and knowledge of bar staf f in preventing aggression and associated injury.