Yamamori Tengu awarded “Soundest Venue in Ireland”
The Dublin club space which operates out the back of the parent Japanese restaurant has been awarded Soundest Venue in Ireland.
The award was given to Tengu by Safe Gigs, an initiative to make gigs and nightlife in Ireland, safer for everyone, by creating a zero tolerance environment for sexual violence, who put a callout for Ireland’s Soundest venue.
Tengu is notable on the Dublin landscape for being the first club to institute some key safety processes since the pandemic, including night-time monitor staff, a no-flash policy and gender neutral bathrooms.
The presence of Night Time Monitors replaced Security in most situations during club nights. The monitors are friendly staff with recognisable lanyards who offer assistance, look out for discriminatory behaviour, take a victim-centered approach, offer a calming space for someone who might be overexerted or overwhelmed and will also ensure someone will leave the venue safely if required.
“It is pretty mad that the practices we have in place are not the industry standard in Ireland. Punters who come to the space were so receptable to these club policies when they were introduced. It feels like the crowd in the space look after one another and if there is an issue of any kind it is dealt with. I am so proud of the team we have and their hard work and dedication really shines through. I hope that more venues decide to invest in programs like these.”
Emma aka EMA (Tengu Booker/Manager)
“Patron care and welfare is a priority of the development of the venue, and this award reflects the constant hard-work of all of our staff, particularly our night time monitors. They have been at the forefront of the venue since the establishment of the roll, and their diligence, care, and compassion is an integral part of Yamamori Tengu. We believe that everyone deserves a space they can enjoy, to be themselves, and to feel supported. We want to ensure that every single person who steps foot in tengu feels welcome and safe, and that tengu continues to be a safe space all of our patrons.”
Vicky (Club Supervisor)
More on from the club itself below on their safety policy…
Night Time Monitor Team: work every club show we are open.
Our Night Time Monitors will be at the forefront of making Tengu feel as welcoming and as safe as possible for all visitors to the space. These monitors will be present and visible at club shows to actively work at preventing bullying, harassment or discriminatory behaviour and immediately address if/when it does occur. We encourage all staff to take a victim-centered approach when dealing with such matters.
These monitors overtime will join us in further safety education / instruction / training.
The person who takes on this responsibility should be empathetic and be able to act firmly if people are acting out of sorts. Training in harm reduction and first aid is a plus!
We regularly share our safety policies online before all events and have posters scarttered around the venue.
We have gender neutral bathrooms and are one of the few venues to have them in Ireland.
We also have a no flash policy in the venue.
“We are delighted to present the Safegigs Inaugural Award, for the Soundest Venue in Ireland 2024 to Yamamori Tengu. Nominated for the award through a public call out, Tengu stood out among the nominees for its ethos and practical implementation of measures to place the safety and welfare of its patrons at the core of its events. “
Dola (Safe Gigs)
“An incredible space where the welfare of its patrons and staff go hand in hand with their commitment to delivering outstanding hospitality, amazing events and incredible music. We are truly honored to present YT with our inaugural Soundest Venue in Ireland Award for 2024 and are excited to continue to work so closely with them, they are truly Sound”
Mary (Safe Gigs)
