Hotels can be used by drug line networks and by those grooming or exploiting children.
No hotel is exempt from this risk, so it is important for all hotels to take steps to protect children from this harm.
Things to spot
Reception or booking staff
Have you noticed:
- last minute or walk-in bookings - particularly late at night
- guests refusing to provide identification or credit card details and carrying little or no luggage
- guests only using a room for a few hours - with no notification when leaving
- a room booking for more people than beds or an adult and child sharing a bed
- guests in possession of large quantities of cash
- guests with a local address, booking a room
- a frequent guest of the hotel seen with a range of different young people
- guests requesting a room that is isolated, or near the rear exit
- bookings made in a different name to the person checking in
- guests arriving and asking for a specific room number, but not knowing the name in which the room is booked
- guests who do not want rooms cleaned or who use the 'do not disturb' sign for long periods
- repeat visitors to the accommodation at irregular hours
- children or young people checking in with an adult or group of adults who do not appear to be their parents or guardians
- young people meeting others in public areas or car parks on the premises
Housekeeping staff
Have you noticed:
- evidence of alcohol, drugs or contraception wrappers in rooms young people have been seen in
- signs of sexual or criminal activity such as drug use or violence having taken place in a room where young people have stayed or visited
Bar staff
Have you noticed:
- room service alcohol orders to rooms where there are guests who appear to be underage
- adult customers buying alcohol for young people
- young people in the company of older adults or older adult guests in the bar area
- young people who appear to be instructed or controlled by another individual
- young people who:
- appear anxious, frightened, angry or aggressive
- show signs of neglect
- display behaviours that cause you concern - for example under the influence of substances